Heart of the Awl

Lake Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

During the 1800’s fur trading began in this area. The native Schitsu’umsh people were given the nickname “Coeur d’Alene” by French Canadian fur traders. In French, “Coeur” means heart and “Alene” means awl. Essentially, the natives were so sharp and business savvy, they were comparable to a tool that is used to pierce leather and strong to the core. The large lake which was the center of their homeland became Lake Coeur d’Alene. The town grew when miners and prospectors came to the region after gold and silver deposits were found in the Coeur d'Alene mountains and the Northern Pacific Railroad reached the town in 1883. Coeur d’ Alene is surrounded by picturesque views and a deep sense of serenity. A special part of being in Coeur d’ Alene was visiting with family. Family is precious and can certainly make any location feel extra warm and welcoming. I enjoyed the sights as we hiked up Mineral Ridge.

Hiking reminded me of a quote I once happened across—

"Life will test you but remember this, when you walk up a mountain, your legs get stronger."

I like the metaphor—we build strength as we hike up a mountain.

Similarly, we build endurance, inner strength and we gain wisdom as we move through life’s experiences.

I don’t necessarily believe that life gives us “tests.”

I believe we all have experiences and each experience offers us an opportunity to respond. Our responses create our reality.

Climbing the mountain may look like resistance to a situation or person. Strength is gained by not pushing against it, but rather, leaning into it.

Perhaps the mountain looks like a big obstacle in the way. Strength is finding a way to embrace it, move around it or change your mind about it.

Walt Whitman said:

These are the days that must happen to you.

I’ve always loved this message.

It’s all in divine order, the mountains and the valleys. xo -a

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