2. Cuddle with Jack

Transcript

A rocking chair invites you to wake up on a dull, quiet morning, my pastel blue fleece sweater keeping you warm as the distant mountain range intrigues you. Although the views of the mountains are breathtaking, the trouble resides in the journey. Each obstacle is an opportunity to learn and equip yourself with new weapons for your arsenal of knowledge.

The mountains have persuaded you to accept the challenge. The days spent inside are just as important as the ones outside. Today is about exploring new things in the world.

The destination is in view, the lessons are in the adventure, and the only thing holding you back is fear. However, fear is a terrible excuse not to pursue your dreams. Your strength and passion will always outweigh your fear when you believe in yourself.

Understand that achieving your goals and overcoming challenges is intense, sometimes scary, like climbing a mountain when looking at its entirety. Instead of trying to do the impossible and jump from the ground straight to the mountaintop, the bravest step we take is the frightening first step. I'll be by your side to provide unconditional love and support for you to prosper.

Together we will conquer the mountain in front of us. With your determination and fight, life has no choice but to submit to your commands and I will show you how. The base of the mountain is surrounded by a dense forest with unsettling sounds coming from all angles.

As we enter the dark, dense forest, you let out a deep breath that you've unknowingly been holding in. Fear yells to turn around, trying to dig a rabbit hole of self-doubt. I take your nervous hand into mine, give it a loving squeeze, and flash my charming smolder.

Your laughter replaces your doubts and the sunlight shines between the gaps of the treetops onto your skin. The sun burns your discouraging thoughts and troubles while fueling your soul with a fire of ambition. Our footsteps squish into the damp ground, passing matured cedar trees, the wavy bark designs decorated by moss growing up their sides.

The green ferns brush against our legs when a noise from the shrubs gives us a startle. You jump behind me with a tight grip at my waist, using me as a human shield. My chuckle makes you peek around my side to reveal a bushy-tailed rabbit.

The innocent culprit has fluffy, tan fur with tall, long ears that sense every sound in a mile radius. Its huge eyes stare at us and the illusion of fear leaves as the sweet creature hops in the opposite direction. The forest has gotten brighter and more comfortable when we notice the beautiful details nature has to offer.

Birds are chirping uplifting melodies throughout the treetops. A trail of ants marches towards the rough bark of a tree trunk and we follow them out of pure curiosity. The army comes to a halt as a rock, small relative to us but enormous to them, blocks their path.

The first ant reaches out to climb the boulder, the other ants immediately surround and create a foundation to help one another. Their group effort leads them to success and they continue their hike up to the tree. Problems on the path to accomplishing your dreams look giant and impossible until help arrives.

With all of my power and strength, I will always want to lend my hand to you in times of need. Having the courage to let nothing interrupt your journey is a testament to your willpower. There is a pep in your step, ambition suits you well.

The thick of the forest is in the rearview mirror and the uphill battle carries on. The pockets of light warm your skin and pause your movements. Sitting there breathing in the warmth, looking brave and confident, naturally fitting in with the environment, you are glowing to the heavens, bringing your arms to the sky, fingertips wiggling between the ultraviolet rays.

The stream to our right flows over a cliff and we arrive at a janky bridge. The railings have been taken over by sturdy vines, less could be said about the wooden planks that are split and warped. I wonder if our safety is at risk and you waltz past me willing to cross the untrustworthy bridge.

A creaky groan from the bridge echoes at the shift of weight, causing some birds to take flight from the forest below. I am still standing at the beginning of the bridge while you stand in the middle, reassuring me everything will be okay. At last you push me out of my comfort zone and we cautiously cross to the other side.

A gray tint covers the sun. At first the slight sprinkle cools our warm flesh and the water is refreshing. You hold your hand out and I twirl you around then pull you into me.

We laugh and dance under the rain and I am mesmerized by how you make the best out of any situation. Most people would think of this as a setback. You are not like most people.

You are one of a kind. A light rain transforms into a downpour mixed with the growing winds and we hope to seek shelter soon. I attempt to use the jacket around my waist as a makeshift umbrella, but the storm is not showing much mercy.

Your sharp eyes spot a shallow, dry cave to the left of the path and we rush to safety. The once cherished waters now the cause of our wet clothes. If life has taught you anything, it is an important lesson to hope for the best and plan for the worst.

You unzip your backpack and hand me a towel. I am thankful for your preparedness as well as consideration for others. I cheer as we find a cozy sleeping bag you must have packed for us.

My legs entangle with yours and I pull your shivering body closer to mine. My hand rubs the side of your arm while you tuck further into the sleeping bag. A whiff of cinnamon invades my nose and I bury my face into your neck giving you a few kisses and settle my head on the towels we rolled up.

The wind is no longer a threat, yet the sounds of full droplets splashing on the ground calm our bodies. My hand rises with your stomach as you inhale and falls when you exhale. You are relaxed if not sleeping and I begin to doze as well.

Clopping hooves wake us up and the rain has moved down to the forest, the beautiful stallion trusting its rider and the rider listening to the animal's body language as they function in perfect harmony. The horse and rider stop across from us to let the animal nibble on the lush vegetation. The rider informs us the top is near and motivation pumps through your bloodstream.

You march onward like the ants we studied earlier and I am barely quick enough to keep up with your enthusiasm. The slippery moss covering the majority of a rock tries to throw your balance and almost succeeds. I smile at you knowing the little stumble is minuscule after everything you've been through, every action and reaction watering your growth, the lack of fear opening a world of opportunity.

The moment you have worked towards is here, all your hard work paying off. You cannot only climb the mountains but effortlessly move them. You are stronger than you were yesterday.

Exhaustion weighs on your body, you stand proud and fearless over the inspirational view and then find a seat on a stump. I glance to catch your smile, your eyes looking down at the entrance of the forest where we started. Your chest rises and you fill your lungs with the untouched air of relief.

There are layers of snow blanketing the higher mountaintops against the blue sky, turning itself into a bronze orange. You stand on the stump and turn in a full circle, seeing how the mountain range is a natural divide. There is a flourishing meadow, a shimmering waterfall and a few hills rolling on one side.

On the other side, the huge rocks crumble into a sandy shore and colossal waves look tiny. Enjoy the moment.