The Story That Made Me Miss the Grand Canyon

A few years ago, I hiked out of the Grand Canyon in just under five hours.
Third in my group—behind only two ultra-athletes. By all measures, it was an impressive feat.

But here’s the truth: I missed the whole thing.

The Story I Didn’t Question

I’d been invited to whitewater raft through the Canyon and then hike out the Bright Angel Trail. I trained for months. On the morning of the hike, I was well-rested, fed, and hydrated.

But in my mind, there was only one story:
If I didn’t keep going, I wouldn’t make it.

There was no proof. No real reason to believe it—just a story I had never questioned.

So I set out like a soldier on a mission. I drank water but never stopped to pee, convinced that if I paused, I might not get moving again.

The Cost of Grit

Five hours later, I reached the rim—goal accomplished.
But instead of joy, there was an ache.

My unquestioned story had kept me moving fast, but it also blinded me to the views, the beauty, the miracle of the trail. My grit got me to the top, but it cost me the very reason for being there.

What Stories Are You Carrying?

We all have stories about what we have to do, who we have to be, or what it takes to “make it.”
Some stories get us to the top.
But some cost us the very thing we set out to experience.

Grace invites us to pause and ask:
Is this story true?

Because when we slow down enough to question the story, we often discover a better one—one that lets us succeed and savor.

Your Invitation

If you’re curious about the story your body and nervous system might be telling you, download my Energy Map. It will help you see where you are on the alignment spectrum—and whether grace has a place in your climb.

P.S.
If you’re in the Chicago area, you’re welcome at TimeOut Tuesdays—a monthly pause to reset, recharge, and realign your nervous system in community. Held on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at SolFlo Life.