You Might Be Stronger Than You Think

My husband and I were on vacation in Colorado last week, finishing with a few days in Steamboat with his sister and her husband.

We went on a hike described as “easy and flat.” I was up for some outdoor time and hiking, though I was a little nervous. The in-laws are very physically active and much younger than me.

See, I’ve never thought of myself as all that fit. I’ve always carried a few extra pounds, have a sweet tooth that tends to win, and lately I’ve been dealing with a few health issues that make me cautious. So as we started walking—slight incline, high elevation, gorgeous views—I found myself quietly worrying:

Can I actually do this? Will I end up embarrassed by my lack of fitness? Will other issues flare up?

At first, I was hyper-aware of everything. My breathing, my pace, whether I could keep up. But then my brain flipped a switch. After a while, I was just… hiking. Talking. Taking in the scenery.

By the time we reached the turnaround point—this stunning spot with an old barn in a field surrounded by forested mountains and a river nearby—I realized I felt fine. Actually, more than fine. My body had adjusted. I was okay. The worries? They had taken a back seat.

Maybe you’ve felt that kind of doubt too.

You gear up for something that feels just a little beyond you—a new job, a hard conversation, a creative leap—and there’s this low buzz of, What if I can’t?

That was me at the trailhead. And if I’m being honest, it’s been me plenty of other times too.

But that hike reminded me of something simple and powerful:

We don’t always give ourselves enough credit. We assume failure when we haven’t even tried yet.

It’s not about ignoring reality or pretending the fears aren’t there. It’s about giving ourselves a real shot before deciding we’re not capable.

So here’s what I’m taking with me:

I can do more than I think.

I have to give myself a chance to succeed before expecting myself to fail. And so do you.

What’s something you’ve been avoiding—not because it’s impossible, but because you’ve already counted yourself out?

What would happen if you trusted yourself just enough to begin?

I did—and I didn’t just finish the hike. I enjoyed it. I was present. And I proved my own doubts wrong.