One toils uphill, bent over, eyes on the ground, wincing at every blister rubbed by every piece of gravel underfoot. They drink in gulps and gasps; they devour their snacks without looking up. They count each heavy mile ahead.
The other walks about the same speed, on the same path, the same gravel and blisters – but their head is up. They notice the cool air, the view, how far they’ve come – and feel fresher. With effort they look past their thirst to offer a drink or a hand – they refresh others and forget their throbbing feet and hunger. They look forward to the destination and find things to enjoy on the road.
Perhaps some people walk with their head up because they find the journey easier; perhaps the journey’s easier if you lift your head up.
Look after the one in front.