Balancing Up the Beehive
Some of my greatest experiences and accomplishments have come after pushing through something difficult, getting over my fears or challenging myself in a new way.
The Beehive Loop Trail located in Acadia National Park, near Seal Harbor, Maine was one of those memorable but rewarding experiences. During one of my travel trips with Lyndsay we stopped at Acadia National Park and per usual, I researched the best things to do in the area which undoubtedly included The Beehive Loop Trail. Rated “hard” at 2.3 km with an elevation gain of 149m, we discovered the hard rating was due to the fact that you climbed iron rungs up boulders for most of the trail. There would be lots of exposed cliffs, it was very steep with many ladders and questionable crossings (if you are scared of heights like I am). In the end you are however rewarded with magnificent views. Likewise, I’d like to make the connection that often, when you’re overdue for change and the universe seems to keep layering it on your shoulders, that when you manage to navigate through, the fruits of your labour are often most sweet.
It is trails like this, or experiences like this that remind me of the importance of doing things outside of your comfort zone, or cautiously proceeding and pushing through things that scare you, if you feel the reward is great and worthwhile, or if the status quo isn’t sustainable.
I remember shaking. I was so scared, but still, I inched on. I also remember the triumph (look at my face!), feeling unstoppable, the celebration of getting it done. I was awfully thankful that we were above the clouds, so you actually couldn’t see beneath us. It felt like you were literally on top of the clouds, it felt surreal. If I could have seen down past the iron bridges, the plank boardwalks, all the way down the mountain, I admittedly would have been much more hesitant than I already was.
I wanted to include these pictures, and share this story of overcoming my fear of heights to explain how richly rewarding it was. The sense of accomplishment that comes with overcoming something you were nervous about, with daring to inch forward and being brave enough to try something new is so important. Not to mention the value of having a very helpful friend, with gentle (or forceful) words of encouragement, ready and willing to support you however they can.
Leave a Reply