Life can often feel like climbing a massive mountain. We gear up for the tough moments—the steep climbs, the rough trails, the looming storms. We teach ourselves to stay strong, keep courage, and focus on reaching the peak. That mountain could be a dream we’re pursuing, a career we’re shaping, or a change we’re striving for. These big goals give our lives purpose and excitement. They’re challenging, motivating, and absolutely worth the effort. 

But here’s the twist: it’s not always the mountain that wears us out. As the wise saying goes, “It isn’t the mountains ahead to climb that wear you out; it’s the pebble in your shoe.” 

Think about that. It’s the small, persistent irritations that sneak in unnoticed—the tiny doubts that whisper we’re not good enough, the lingering resentment from a conversation long past, the habit we keep meaning to break but never quite do. These pebbles, though seemingly insignificant, have a way of stealing our energy and dimming our spirit. They make each step feel heavier; each breathe a little more strained. 

But here’s the beauty in this truth: those pebbles are within our power to remove. 

Unlike the mountain, which may take years to climb, the pebble can be shaken out in a moment of awareness. It starts with noticing. With pausing long enough to ask, “What’s weighing me down today?” Maybe it’s a grudge you’ve been carrying, or a fear that’s quietly grown roots. Maybe it’s the voice in your head that criticizes more than it encourages. These are the things that trip us up—not because they’re insurmountable, but because we let them linger. 

The good news? You don’t have to carry them. 

You can pause. You can sit down, take off your shoe, and shake out the pebble. Start small. Forgive a slight. Let go of a worry. Replace one negative thought with a moment of gratitude. Each tiny action lightens your load, making the climb feel less daunting. It’s not about reaching the summit in one leap—it’s about making the journey more bearable, more joyful, one step at a time. 

And here’s the magic: when your steps are free, your spirit lifts. You begin to notice the beauty around you—the sunrise casting golden light on the path, the encouragement of fellow climbers, the strength you didn’t know you had. The mountain is still there, but now it feels possible. Every small adjustment, every act of self-kindness, brings you closer to the top. 

So, lace up your shoes. Check for pebbles. Embrace the journey. You’re stronger than you know, and the view from the top is worth every step. 

Keep climbing—you’ve got this.