The New Year brings a welcomed invitation to anyone looking for a fresh start and a do-over.

This is all well and good, but if you’re a regular-gym-goer living in the world of a new-gym-goer, your life just got turned into The Upside Down.

The time it normally takes you to workout? Go ahead and double that.

Thirsty? Get in line when you arrive because that solo functioning water fountain is prime real-estate, my friend.

Your favorite upright bike that all the regulars know is yours from 5- 5:30 with no questions asked? Gone are the days of those mutual understandings.

And don’t even get me started with Texter McGee, the bench press hog that can’t stop taking selfies. Your hair is perfect…We get it.

Before I come off too judgy (I know, too late), I should mention that I’ve been that new person many times before. I’ve started. I’ve stopped. I’ve gone for a week, then quit. I’ve gone on random Tuesday nights after watching 2 hours of P90X infomercials while eating cherry cordial ice cream straight from the container (now who’s judging?).

I’ve been consistent. I’ve been inconsistent.

I’ve been worried I was getting in the way or wondered if I was doing it all wrong.

I don’t even want to know the amount of money I’ve spent on unused gym memberships. (We’re talking A LOT of tacos potential.)

But, tonight while I was running (and dodging people like I was on an episode of Wipe Out) it occurred to me:

My new adventure on the AT and their new start at the gym are no different.

We’re both starting something new.

Something scary.

Something unpredictable.

Who knows how long it’ll last. Will we fail… again? Will this be the time that sticks? Where do we go? Am I doing this right? Will we be able to find a bathroom if we need it ASAP? How many tacos can I eat if I do this?

I’ve experienced success and I’ve experienced failure. But, the only sure-fire way to get either of those results is to start. There’s only one way to know if it’ll work out or it’ll be a bust.

Just Start.

That finish line can be a daunting presence hanging over our heads. Really, the beginning is the hardest part—throwing caution to the wind, going all-in and deciding to go for it despite all the reasons telling you not to.

Just Go.

And eventually, after trial and error, we’ll become that regular that gets to head nod in mutual respect at other regular-gym-goers.

And tacos. Lots and lots of tacos.

Yesterday, I took my scariest step toward hiking the AT next year: I gave my notice to work that I would be leaving.

Things just got very real.

With this leap of faith nose dive of faith, there are many questions I don’t have answers to. I have no idea how this will end. I’ve no idea how far I’ll make it, if I’ll enjoy it, if I can do it, if I’ll finish, where I’ll work when I’m done. No clue.

It’s so hard for me to give up control.

In my experience, that’s the most rewarding part. When I fully submit to God and see how he uses me, I’m never disappointed. I’m in awe of His ways when I fully surrender. So many times I’ve fought the process. I think I know how things will end and I manipulate situations to fit MY plan. It’s so much better when I have faith and trust in God to do His work through me.

For some reason, I’m supposed to go for this. I don’t know why, or for how long, but I can’t wait to see what God has planned.