As in the small rock that somehow slipped into your hiking boot.
Can you give your boot a quick wiggle and move that pebble out from under your foot? Maybe, but guess what. It’ll find it’s way back under your heal in no time. They always do.
Does it matter that you’re making great time up the mountain, and have lots of momentum on your side? Nope. That little pebble demands attention.
That’s the way of the small irritant. It’s there and it won’t be leaving on its own. It will start to cause damage, become more distracting, and take more of your attention. Try as you might, there’s no way to ignore it.
The only thing you can do is stop and take off your pack, then take off your boot and dump that little pebble out.
Eliminate the irritant and get refocused on the trail ahead.
Sure, it’s annoying to stop. But, the alternative is far worse.
Photo by Aneta Ivanova on Unsplash