At the Crossroads

Week 7 – The Big Hike
The West Highland Way is done. And I was at the crossroads again. Some days back now we arrived in Fort William. I was walking with a new friend who asked “will you go to the hotel first or across the finish line?” I looked at him stupefied: “what do you mean? I’m in Fort William – I’m done!”. And then darling God played another little joke by placing my hotel exactly on the finishing line. Apparently, I needed to do that.
Let’s look back a bit further and across the many peaks we crossed. The weather was mixed, mostly dry, windy (yay – no midges!) and warm enough. I had lovely conversations with fellow hikers from so many different countries (the US, Switzerland, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, and Australia). In fact, sometimes looking on the trail ahead it felt like we were all part of a huge ant colony – though not everyone carried a full pack. Most walkers have day packs and their luggage is transferred to the next hotel during the day. I admit: I was jealous!
The landscape is breathtaking
The changing clouds and rays of sun giving endless moments of admiration and serenity. Perfect for me. Sometimes I had to remind myself to turn around and see how far we’ve come. How much we’ve climbed. One day, I hope, I’ll look back at the daily routes and am able to give an idea of the amount of ascents and descents we did (on top of the km updates). But it’s not high on my agenda just yet.
Going back to the conversations, many people on the way are here to enjoy the walking, but many are also looking for something extra: a turning point in their career, a possible move, the wish to belong. And with my coaching hat on, I’ve asked some poignant questions of fellow wanderers that I hope have brought them a little bit closer to making the right decision for themselves. Of course, I’m very aware that a half hour conversation isn’t the same as coaching; but for those on the way already I hope that one or two of my questions did help them think in a different way.
For the love of coaching
Which brings me to another important point: I love coaching because it’s wonderful to see people emerge out of their own shell. It sounds cliche, but all of my clients have gone through a metamorphosis. From caterpillar, when they’re focussed on success (i.e. eating everything in their way), to the point in which they have created a comfortable cocoon for themselves. And a little further when they’re beginning to think about leaving the cocoon but it’s too comfortable and too uncertain what could happen next. Most people don’t leave their cocoon. But those who do (like my clients) achieve a new sense of themselves; peace, happiness, ease, trust, wonder, and growth.
At the crossroads
Being there for someone when they’re coming to the crossroads, offering them a helping hand, and asking them the questions that will lead them to clarity and the ability to make the right decision for themselves – that is invaluable and an honour to witness.
The crossroads of life can feel daunting, threatening, and frightening. Inevitably, we think we will make the wrong decision. Which often causes us to stand still and freeze. Stay in the cocoon and not move forward for fear of doing the wrong thing. But the world around us isn’t stopping. It’s turning. It’s changing.
So, as we came to Fort William I was a bit emotional to say goodbye to so many new acquaintances who I had shared moments, hours, and even days with. No one I had met moved on so I felt very much on my own once again. I’m grateful for the experience and so excited for the future.
Last week I said I wasn’t sure what was going to happen past Inverness. I thought I’d know by now but I still don’t. Oh well, the answer will come soon. I’m sure.
Current tally for the Big Hike: 880km (547 miles).
If you’d like to watch our journey more closely you have several options: follow me on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/claudia.unger.58958), or follow the dogs on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/watsonandhastings/).
And if you’ve got a career or life challenge that you’d like to discuss, you’re welcome to book a free 15-minute coaching session here: https://wanderlustcoach.as.me