Bold like a waterfall.

Living in the Pacific Northwest, I'm lucky to be surrounded by majestic waterfalls, alpine lakes, and snow-capped mountains. But it's more than just pretty scenery. I've learned that the natural world can teach us important life lessons about persistence, change, and growth.

One hike stands out: we set out towards an alpine lake. I remember staring at a waterfall we couldn't reach, and then my hiking buddy casually said, "It just keeps going!" We laughed, but that simple statement also struck a chord with me.

Isn't that how life feels? Like a waterfall. Ready or not, it keeps moving forward.

Like a waterfall, life can be both awe-inspiring and overwhelming. The sheer force of daily challenges, opportunities, and changes can be exciting and daunting when standing at the edge of what's next.

Instead of chasing waterfalls, perhaps we could find ways to embody their bold presence:

Adapt your path: The power of a waterfall is not just in the rush and relentless movement, but in how water flows through it and works with what is seemingly in its way. Like water that bends around rocks or slowly reshapes its path, we can let our emotions flow through us, confront our challenges, and let ourselves change. We can adapt to what we face in life.

Go your own way: A waterfall persistently carves its unique path, refusing to be confined to a single route. It teaches us that there is no singular or "right" way to move forward. The strongest currents we face in life can push us to discover new passions or create lives we never imagined possible. Embrace your unique journey and don’t be afraid to navigate different directions in life, even if they diverge from the crowd.

Flow to peace: Like waterfalls with still lakes and gentle river currents below, the most turbulent parts of life can lead us to moments of calm and peace. That is, if we allow ourselves to flow with them. 

As nature reminds us: change is constant and beauty can exist even in impermanent experiences. 

Stay calm. Trust the flow of life. And like a waterfall: just keep going.