We’re addicted!
Spending summer’s hiking in the Colorado Rockies is a mainstay for our family. Picture June in the mountains, the rivers pumping at full volume with melted snow, wildflowers lining the trails, and the air crisp with possibility. We’re addicted! This time of year it wasn’t unusual to come across some unique challenges with water. Often we’d come upon rivers running through the trail, too wide to jump across and too deep to wade through without soaking our boots or being swept away.
On these occasions we’d stand there wondering: How are we going to get to the other side? But as we paused to look more closely, a solution would invariably appear. A series of stepping stones poking through the rushing water or maybe a downed tree creating a bridge, all leading us safely to the other side. A few careful steps and we’d be on our way again.
These moments stay with me because they are so symbolic of life. How often do we encounter rivers in our own paths—obstacles that seem insurmountable at first glance? But just like on our early summer hikes, when we stop and shift our perspective, we find that there’s always another side. It’s not about avoiding the river but looking for the stepping stones that will get us across.
Setbacks are inevitable, but they don’t have to derail you. In fact, some of the greatest growth comes through challenges. Setbacks provide an opportunity to pause, reflect, and redirect. They teach resilience, build character, and often lead to breakthroughs that wouldn’t have been possible without the struggle.
One thing I’ve learned is that everything in life has two sides. You don’t see a one-sided piece of paper, a one-sided table, or a one-sided stone. Likewise, every situation we encounter has two sides. If we’re stuck, it’s time to flip the stone over and ask different questions. Instead of, I can’t do this, try asking, How can I make this happen? Instead of, What if I don’t make it across? ask, What will it look like when I get to the other side? Setbacks are opportunities to find new stepping stones if you’re willing to look for them.
The way you interpret a setback shapes how you respond to it. Instead of seeing challenges as failures, flip the stone and look for the other side. Ask yourself:
- What can I learn from this experience?
- How is this preparing me for the future?
- What strengths can I build through this challenge?
Reframing doesn’t diminish the difficulty, but it shifts your focus to what’s possible rather than what’s lost.
When setbacks happen, it’s easy to feel stuck. The best way to regain momentum is to take small, intentional steps forward. Focus on what you can control, even if it’s just one tiny action. For example, if a project didn’t go as planned, reflect on what you can do differently next time. If a goal feels out of reach, break it into smaller milestones. Each small step builds confidence and creates momentum.
Resilience is like a muscle—you strengthen it by practicing. Create a toolkit of strategies to help you navigate setbacks. This might include:
- Journaling to process emotions and gain clarity.
- Getting outside and moving kicks the solutions part of your brain into high gear.
- Connecting with a mentor or supportive friend who can provide perspective.
When you have the right tools to rely on, setbacks become less overwhelming and more manageable. Our mindset starts to shift and we are less fearful of challenges because we know we have the resources to handle it.
As you move forward with your dreams for the year, know that you have what it takes to work through the obstacles that will come in your path. Go turn those setbacks into stepping stones – you’ve got this, my friend!
