Without thinking, I took the first tentative step. It had finally happened. I had reached the point of no return…. or was I dreaming?
For months I’d been saying “I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it,” dismissing future challenge after future challenge instead of facing up to them there and then.
Clutched in my hand was a well-worn piece of paper. It was the list I had written… the list of many of those future challenges that needed to be faced.
As I stared straight ahead, it looked as though each and every one of them had their own bridge.
Glancing down, all I could see were swirling mists. Just how high up was this rickety old bridge?
Carefully, I took a second step. The bridge shook but it held. Taking a deep breath, I took another small step then another.
In the dark recesses of my mind, I heard a voice say “It’s alright. I’ve got you.” Those words offered just enough reassurance to give me the strength to take the next step…and the next…
Eventually, I made it across the bridge. My hands were trembling. My heart was pounding. I had done it.
I glanced down at the list. The item at top had been scored through. How? Who? Did it matter? I’d crossed that first bridge when I came to it.
Step by step, bridge by bridge, I kept going. Challenge after challenge was scored off the list. I took my time, taking care not to rush the journey.
When I stepped off the final bridge, I stepped onto warm soft sand. The sun was shining, and I could hear the ocean waves crashing ashore just ahead of me.
Coral McCallum 