Once Upon a Time...

Once upon a time, two people set out for a walk. They each carried a backpack filled with what they believed they couldn't do without while trekking on their journey. They both knew that they needed to reach the end of this long walk in order to move forward in their lives. As they walked, they both realized how heavy the backpack was. One suggested to the other that they stop and rest, but the second hiker refused; he said that he was afraid that if he stopped, he would never want to get up and continue walking. He pointed out that their rest would be wonderful at the end of the journey. They walked on. There came a steep hill in the midst of their path and, as they began climbing it, the second hiker noticed his labored breathing and an idea struck him. He took off his backpack and laid it on the ground behind him.

"Finally," said the first hiker. "We're going to rest."

"No," said the second hiker. "I'm just unloading the extra baggage."

"What?!" The first hiker was shocked. "You're going to leave your essentials behind?"

"It's too heavy to carry."

"But, without it, your trip will so much harder! It's easier to make the journey when we have all of our comforts with us," argued the first hiker.

"Comforts? Yes, I have been comfortable; but, I've also been slower than I wanted to be in reaching my goal. I'll be more comfortable at the end of the journey If I do without the comforts for a short time now." And, with that, the second hiker started back up the big hill, this time with more zest for his climb than before.

Weighed down by his backpack, the first hiker continued his slow ascent. He felt sorry for the second hiker as he was able to reach back into his pack and retrieve a drink or a snack anytime he wanted. But, after awhile, he realized that he couldn't carry on with the weight if he was to reach the end of his journey. He couldn't see how he could live without it, so he simply stopped. He rationalized that he wouldn't like life at the end of the journey anyway if it was life without his comforts. He patted himself on the back for getting as far as he had and he again felt sorry for the second hiker who couldn't possibly have been happy without his comforts.

Little did he realize, however, that the second hiker had already reached his destination, much faster than anticipated for his determination and sacrifice. And, there was more comfort and rest than he ever imagined.

You can make this story about anything you want. There are spiritual and emotional implications. But, you can take it on a simple level as well. For me, it means that I can keep my comfort foods with me and still lose a little weight at a time. I will continue to struggle, but I'll pat myself on the back for each small step and think I've outwitted everyone else because I can lose a few pounds while still enjoying my fattening goodies. And, I'll have those fleeting thoughts that I actually am happier being a little chubby because it means I get to hang onto my yummy comforts. Little may I realize that, if I do without them COMPLETELY, I will reach new heights in such a quick time as to spin my head around. I could be healthy in no time, if I'd just take off the stupid backpack.