Imagine this under a full moon and stars!

A few days ago, a friend invited me to go out snowshoeing in the moonlight. Although that sounded inviting, it meant having to cut out early when I was in the midst of  different contract jobs, as well as having to gather my winter gear, don all that heavy clothing, and trek about 30 miles up into the mountains with my companions. So I seriously thought about just staying home and having a glass of wine and not making the effort; that would have been a lot easier.

Boy, am I glad I did not listen to that devil of laziness whispering in my ear! On the mountain, the moon was full, making the ridges stand out against the cobalt sky in stark relief. The stars danced, the snow glittered, and a chinook wind made the mountaintop warmer than my backyard at sea level. Six friends climbed up to a ridge and surveyed Mount Baker to the south, the North Cascades National Park to the east, and mountains on mountains in every direction. A meteor flashed across the sky. The experience was magical.

Pam kayaking in Chuckanut Bay

When I plan to go hiking or kayaking or scuba diving, I frequently have the same experience. Right before I go, it seems like a lot of needless work. It would be easier to stay home.  But when I force myself to get my gear together and get out there, 99% of the time I am SO glad I made the effort. 99% is a pretty darn good success rate, don’t you think? It’s like that being an author, too–it’s darn hard work to make the effort, but a worthwhile experience after you’re there. So my advice to everyone who thinks they’d like to do something but feels like it might be too much effort: Slap that little devil of laziness away from your ear and get out there and do it!

99% of the time, you’ll be so glad you did.