Inspirations & Connections | XIII. Stepping Stones
In looking back, the journey has taught me that so often, life is shaped not by leaps of certainty but by tiny steps. Life is not a race but a journey to be travelled, a series of stepping stones.
Welcome to Rediscover · Reconnect · Re-Emerge. If you find the fleeting changes of modern life wearisome, maybe even overwhelming, join me on a journey, a path well-trodden, as I share heartfelt and often nostalgic reflections on living slowly, simply, and in tune with the seasons.
Community, and creating a sense of community, is so important to me, and to the world. In this series, taking a particular theme, I want to share with you some of the inspirations, connections and other communities which have enriched my life, in the hope that they may do the same for you too.
For me, life has always felt like a series of stepping stones. Each one appeared just when I was ready to take the next step, even if I didn’t always realise it at the time. I have never been someone to rush ahead; instead, I wait, I reflect, I search my soul, and then, when the moment feels right, I take that step. And yet, every time, there are lingering questions: What happens if I fall? What if it all goes wrong? But somehow, deep down, I know that when the time is right, I’ll find my footing.
I used to think confidence was something you had before you started, that only those who were self-assured and fearless could step forward into the unknown. But over the years, I’ve learned that confidence is not always a prerequisite; it often comes from taking that very first step. I’ve seen this play out in my own life, time and time again, perhaps no more than when it came to education.
In 2003, I signed up for my first Open University course. It was a short, 10-point course (2.8% of an undergraduate degree), and it cost me £60 (remember those days?!). I wasn’t chasing a big dream. I had no grand ambitions, no long-term vision. I was simply curious: What if I just tried? That one small step led to another, then another. A few years later, I completed my degree. I thought that was the end of the road, but my curiosity nudged me forward. What if I took one more step? Two years later, I had a Master’s degree. Then, a new stepping stone appeared on the horizon, the PhD. That journey, across many rocky stones, took me ten years, but eventually, I reached it too.
Looking back, I see now how almost every milestone in my life began with a simple act of curiosity. No big, overwhelming goals, just a quiet wondering: Is this possible for me? Especially at the beginning of spring, we might be planting a tiny, seemingly insignificant seed. We trust in its growth, nurturing it on its journey. A simple step forward towards what we hope will be an eventual blooming in the seasons to come.
In a world that glorifies busyness, overnight success, and instant transformation, I’ve come to appreciate the slow, steady unfurling of life. There is something deeply grounding about moving forward at your own pace, trusting that the next step will become clear in its own time. We need look only at Mother Nature; she has the answer. We can nurture and nourish the tiny seed we plant, but it won’t be hurried and it won’t be forced.
recently wrote this beautiful reflection on self-belief:
I think that this same principle applies to those of us seeking a slower, simpler, and more seasonal approach to life. We don’t have to overhaul our lives overnight. We don’t need to have all the answers or the perfect plan. We can’t, it will look different to each and every one of us. We only need to trust in the next tiny step. I loved this quote from
:‘Life has a way of bringing us full circle, even when we don’t realise it at first. Looking back at my journey, I see how each step—no matter how unexpected—has led me to this moment.’
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One of the greatest lessons I’ve learned is that the path reveals itself as we walk it. The stepping stones may seem far apart at first, but if we trust in the journey, the next one will always appear when we are ready. Sometimes, we don’t even realise we’re ready until we look back and see how far we’ve come.
This is the beauty of living with intention; a sense of choosing to move forward not with urgency, but with trust, allowing ourselves to grow into each new season of life, to embrace the lessons along the way, and to find peace in the gentle unfolding. Our tulips in the garden are certainly in no hurry this year. They have slowly grown and gradually appeared, but the unfolding is yet to come. Life is not a race, but a journey to be travelled, one small, curious and intentional step at a time.
In looking back over 41 years, I see connections, patterns, and truths that others sometimes overlook. I’ve come to realise that my voice, once hesitant and without confidence, holds weight. Every step has been a revelation. The doubt I once carried, the feeling that certain things were for other people, not for me, has waned. It’s been a hard road, but the journey has taught me that so often, life is shaped not by leaps of certainty but by small, faithful steps.
One final thought: stepping stones are often found in the most beautiful and idyllic of locations. As we journey forward, each of us taking those steps of courage from one stone to the next, there is always time to pause and cherish the moment, to drink in the view, and to feel grounded in that place at that time. There is value in rest and refreshment as much as there is in stepping forward.
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This is lovely David. I love the idea of shaping our lives with small, faithful steps. Thankyou.
This is such a reflective and insightful post, it is one I will return to as it holds such an important message. I can relate to so much you say 🌱Thank you so much 🙏