Maybe we’re more alike than we think

The Five Element Series - Earth

Hey friend,

I have to tell you something kind of silly.

You know that feeling when you realize you’re so lucky… and you almost forget it because it’s just become normal?

That’s how I feel about the greenway near my house.

I can walk or run without crossing any roads. No traffic. No stoplights. Just trees, a creek, a little lake… and this perfect loop I’ve been doing several times a week for years. It’s my reset button.

And then… they closed it.

They’re renovating it (which is good, because it flooded all the time after rain), but what I thought would be a quick few-week project is apparently going to take… years.

Years! 😩

So suddenly my choices were:

walk along streets with traffic and noise (no thank you)
Or do an out-and-back stretch on the open part of the greenway. Better than nothing, but not the same. Not as satisfying as a loop. Not as… complete.

But here’s the part I haven’t really admitted out loud:

Even though it’s closed… I found a way.

There’s a spot by the walking bridge where you can step on the rocks and get past the “Trail Closed” barricade. And on the other end you can squeeze by the fence.

So that’s what I’ve been doing.

And every time I do it, I feel like I’m breaking the law. 🙈
Like… why can’t I just follow the rules like a normal person?
I honestly felt like I was the only one sneaking through.

Until the other day when it snowed.

I went for my walk and got to the closed part, and I just started laughing.

Because the snow told on everyone.

Footprints everywhere. Not just one set — so many. Clear trails pressed into the snow like: “Hi, yes, we all do this.”

I wasn’t the only one struggling with the detour.
I wasn’t the only one thinking, “This is ridiculous… I’m going to find a way.”

And it made me wonder how often we do that in life — assume we’re the only one finding it hard… the only one bending a little… the only one feeling frustrated… when actually, a lot of people are quietly navigating the exact same thing.

Anyway. That’s my little trail confession. 😅

If you’re in your own “detour season” right now — something closed, delayed, not going as planned — just consider this a reminder from me:

You’re probably not the only one.

Big warm hug,
Tina 🤍

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