Shocking Truth About Digging Deep to Redefine Success
Last week we left off asking this question “What was a woman over 50 with no hiking experience doing out in these woods”? (tweet this) Before you continue reading this article it will be best if you have read or reread that article, click here.
Today I'll share the rest of the story about the shocking truth about digging deep to redefine success after 50. Hold on because the ending may just surprise you.
Are we there yet?
We made it to the first of two lookouts to view the falls and just in time for a lunch break. The view was spectacular and thank goodness it was worth the effort it took to hike into the remote location.
Now I would learn that I had packed the wrong kind of food for strenuous outdoor activity. After eating my protein bar, drinking a bottle of water my stomach was still begging for more. 
Thank goodness for friends who have the experience needed to not only prepare for their needs but those of others traveling with them.Â
A crisp apple packed full of juicy nutrition was just what the doctor ordered. Extra hydration helped quench my thirst and cool my overheated body. Saltine crackers replaced the salt I had sweated out…my hair was soaked and my neck was caked with salt like the dried-up shores of the Great Salt Lake. Trail mix added sweet treats with salty nuts to build up the energy we were going to need for the return trip…oh, we have to go back?
Dig deep or you can’t go home
After clicking pictures of the surrounding area, the beautiful Feather Falls, and the canyon welcoming the cascading water far below we climbed the steps back to the trail to meet up with our friends and head back to the car.
    
 
This half of the hike was going to be the determining factor of my inner strength, my perseverance. I’ve done many things in my life from healing from the loss of my first husband to being fired from a job that I loathed. Bootstrapping my way back in almost every unimaginable situation in business has NEVER tested my inner fortitude or perseverance the way this hike did on that Saturday afternoon.
With every step, I took my muscles cried out. The searing burn was something I hadn’t felt but once in my entire life and one that I hope I never experience again. My arms ached from pulling myself up the trail using the walking stick to take the pressure off of my knee that was killing me and my calves that were on fire.
At one point I told my friend this hike was like giving birth to a baby. Girls, you remember how it was…you got to a certain point in delivery and you were exhausted you thought you couldn’t go another moment, you didn’t have one more push in you, you simply wanted it to be over, the baby just to appear, and the pain to stop. That is exactly how I felt. I wanted to lie down. Encouraging my friends to go on without me I wanted to simply just quit.
My dear friends refused to allow me to quit. Their constant empathy and encouragement helped me to dig deep. Even though I stopped to rest every ¼ mile or so I finally made it back to the parking lot and the comfort of our car. Inside I cried as my friends clapped and cheered for me; I had endured and finished the race. My perseverance paid off big time as finishing the hike was a sweet accomplishment.
Endurance to the Summit of Success After 50 (tweet this)
Even though I bit off more than I could chew I had no choice. I had to finish what I had started; no one else could do it for me. That Saturday is a day I will always remember, the lesson I learned was double-fold: I don’t always have to be right, others love and care about me and see my weaknesses as well as my strengths. Hubby only wanted to protect me not keep me from having fun.
The second lesson I learned was that transitioning from a corporate job to working at home is a lot like this hike was. Most women over 50 come home to work totally unprepared having no idea how to schedule their time, ward off family who thinks you are there because you are home and how to leave the office when it’s hubby time.
Many men and women who work from home lose when it comes to enduring tough times. Yes, there are even tough times when you work from home…it’s business after all. I remember the first year in my auto transport business when phone calls were nonstop, work began at 5 A.M. and stopped at midnight…I wondered what had I done, what did I create! It took digging deep to endure all the cycles of working from home it didn’t just happen.
So, no matter what you do in life remember to do your research, 
prepare yourself for the adventure in front of you, be ready and willing to dig deep, endure the journey (tweet this) and be able to check and adjust as you go. Most importantly, enjoy the hike with those on the trail with you…they love and respect YOU…you are worth every mile.
What did you learn from my life’s lesson? Share your comment below.
"Very well put. I've been with a health and nutrition company for over 26 years and I understand exactly what you are going through. I shiver to think what my health might be today at age 68 had I not stuck to my guns as far as practicing what I preach. Yes, I fall off the wagon regularly but my daily routine life reflects taking care of my health. That way I can keep up (somewhat) with my 7 grandchildren. You keep it up, Carla". 
"For most people the thought of venturing out there in pursuit of your dreams, in a place outside of your comfort zones is just what stops them. But I could sense your excitement not resentment in going against the competition. In planting your stake and truly making a difference in the clients experience. That's ultimately what matters, the rest just falls so easily into place. Thanks for that reminder"! 
Carla, I’ve got to say that I LOVE your focus on the joys and challenges facing women over 50. I’m definitely in that camp! I’ve been inspired by your candor, practical ideas, and refreshing determination to joyfully tackle life. The hours we’ve spent on the phone, in person, and through social media have enriched my life immeasurably. YOU are one Fiery Grandma, and I love your style! 
I have known Carla Gardiner for 6+ years. We met at a business training for bring business online. She is a business women at heart and willing to do the hard things to make the results show up. I have watched her run a business, work a job and take care of her family. She is a go getter when it comes to putting in the work to build her business to the level of being able to enjoy her grand kids.
She is the example that age is not a limit it is a tool for sharing knowledge to those she empowers to use their own skills and talents. Excuses are fuel to push her to learn and apply. I have seen her scared to death about implementing new technology and rock it out despite the learning curve.
I love watching you grow into your greatness Carla! Don’t slow down. 
"Carla, you are a model for me to follow. I love your site. And, I like what you have to say - very kind, very gracious. I have to say though that nothing in my life has ever been crystal clear". 
"I've known Carla for 5+ years and can tell you that she has lived every bit of this and more. We shared tears and laughs and hard work....you will enjoy getting to know Carla."
“Be ready and willing to dig deep, endure the journey”..and enjoy it! This is a truth I wish more of my clients would lay hold of!
Carl I hear you. But, you know what else I’ve learned? Sometimes we can’t take shortcuts and everyone’s journey has different twists and turns…at different times. We must be patient and simply lead the way…eventually, when they are ready we’ll be here, waiting to take them by the hand and lead the way to their success, too.
I can so relate to your hike.. I’ve been there, done that and it is not fun. Once the intense pain stops and you have a little rest, that is when the satisfaction of a job well done starts to sink in. Each day that passes can bring a little more joy and satisfaction as we start to forget the pain. Working from home, struggling with the negatives, etc. can be equally as rewarding. Thank you for sharing your hike.
It is so nice to hear of others, like you Pat who are on the same path, who have overcome some of the same challenges. We didn’t just end up connecting for no reason you know!
Well done Carla for your perseverance. It’s also amazing that you had a great set of supporters to help you get through the finish line. Great journey!
Friendship under fire, Gary is where you’ll find real relationships. I honestly could not have made it out without the support and relentless encouragement of my friends. They refused to leave me behind. I’m forever in their debt.
Love this way of redefining success! Thank you so much Carla.
Thank you, Carele. Life deals us lessons that when learned can apply to business as well. The key is to pay attention and learn the lesson.
This is so great! Research, PREPARE for the journey and be willing to dig deep…. that is a goldmine piece of info right there ma’am 🙂
You’re the best, Robin. Thank you for recognizing the value in the journey I’m on and the success others can achieve when they follow my lead.
“…like giving birth to a baby.” I can imagine what you were experiencing. Great post!
Yep, that is what I felt like. I truly wanted to lie down and give up Natalie. However, thanks to my friends who stood by my side, not judging me but encouraging me…I made it.
Excellent article on the benefits of digging deep…we never know what we are capable of until we give it 100%! Thanks! You are an inspiration! 🙂
Awe Denny, you are an inspiration. After hearing your story of chronic pain and endurance this story doesn’t come close. However, it did make me realize that being prepared can take the sting out of the journey.
Thank you Carla. Wonderful post! I can so relate to how this equates to home business so many times it would have been so much easier to give up but here I still am and loving it!
Thank you so much Susan for sharing my adventure and lesson, too
I had no doubt that you’d finish your hiking, Carla! I know that no matter what you put your mind too, you will accomplish it. Thanks for sharing. Love your pics as well!
You are the best, Alexandra. Thank you for your vote of confidence.
Congratulations for finishing you hike that you didn’t think you would be able to do. I am glad that your friends were generous enough to think again and pack additional snacks needed for the hike down. Hiking isn’t easy and you never know what you are going to face on the trails unlike walking on the side walk or on a treadmill.
Thank you Christy. What a lesson in preparedness and humbleness, too.
Great visual! I felt like i was there with you!
Thank you Rob. I relived this journey just last night as I shared it with my daughter…the pain all over again, lol