The Weight vs. Load of Life

At 0400 on a brisk morning, I set out with my ruck, having spent the night before tirelessly packing. As a new infantry soldier, I was green, what you might call “a strong soldier, not a smart one.” Little did I know, I was about to embark on a profound lesson about life. Mile after mile, I shuffled along, like a wannabe Ranger, but something wasn’t right. What began as an easy stroll soon turned laborious. I found myself at the front of the pack, yet my journey felt more burdensome, less smooth, with small irritations compounding into major issues. My focus shifted to the minor pains, the flapping straps, and the load that had initially felt like a feather on my young back now seemed to pull me towards the earth. As the sun rose, it seemed to mock my declining performance, making the miles stretch endlessly. By the time we reached the end of the twelve miles, I was in the middle of the pack, unable to discern whether my pride or my body hurt more. It wasn't long before I sought the guidance of a mentor, who taught me the art of loading our weight effectively. “High and tight” became my mantra, placing the heaviest items close to my upper to mid back, with lighter items at the bottom. I also ensured all loose straps were secured, preventing any unnecessary distractions, like becoming a spaghetti monster. This experience transformed me into a smarter soldier but, more importantly, a wiser man.

What does this have to do with life?

1. Understanding Your Load:

   Just as with the ruck, life presents us with various burdens: responsibilities, challenges, personal goals, etc. Initially, these might seem manageable or even light, much like my ruck at the start. But as time progresses, without proper management, they can become overwhelming. In life, understanding what you carry and how to distribute your 'load' is crucial. Prioritizing what's important, like placing heavy items high and tight, helps maintain balance and allows you to thrive through your journey.

2. The Importance of Preparation:

   My initial mistake was in the packing, not considering how each item would affect my ruck. Life demands preparation: whether it's in career planning, personal relationships, or personal development. Being unprepared can turn small issues into significant obstacles, much like my flapping straps. Don't allow your life to become a spaghetti monster.

3. Learning from Experience:

   The lesson from that first ruck march was invaluable. In life, experiences, especially the challenging ones, teach us how to better navigate future obstacles. Just as I learned to pack smarter, we learn to approach life's challenges with wisdom gained from past errors or even better, learn from others' errors!

4. Mentorship and Guidance:

   Seeking advice from my mentor was pivotal. In life, mentors or role models provide insights and “shortcuts” to wisdom that we might otherwise miss. They guide us in managing our life's load, helping us avoid the pitfalls of ignorance. A good mentor allows you to gain the experience and information they gained through firsthand pain and failures in a much more palatable way.

5. Small Things Matter:

   The small irritations from my gear became significant over time. In life, it's the small, daily habits and decisions that accumulate to either support or hinder our progress. Managing these details, like securing loose straps, can lead to a smoother life.