# Pausing at Life's Milestones

## The Quiet Markers Along the Way

On a long walk through unfamiliar woods, you spot a simple stone cairn rising from the earth. It's not grand, just a stack of rocks balanced with care, signaling that others have passed this way. Milestones are like that—humble signs in the landscape of our lives. They mark birthdays, job changes, or quiet mornings when we finally forgive ourselves. On this winter solstice eve, December 21, 2025, I think of them as invitations to stop and notice how far we've come.

## The Strength in Standing Still

We rush from one point to the next, measuring success by speed. But true meaning hides in the pause. At each milestone, we touch the stone, feel its cool weight, and remember the steps that brought us here. It's a chance to honor small victories:
- The day you chose kindness over anger.
- The night worry lifted, leaving room for hope.
- Moments when vulnerability built unexpected bonds.

These pauses rebuild us, turning fleeting events into enduring anchors.

## Building Cairns for Tomorrow

Milestones aren't endpoints; they're foundations for the path ahead. We add our own stones—notes of gratitude, lessons etched in memory—ensuring the trail endures for those behind us. In their simplicity, they whisper that progress is steady, not spectacular.

*In the balance of stones, find your steady heart.*