I have been hiking. Again. I venture out to territory new and old, mysterious and familiar. The quest to breathe fresh air into my lungs and clear my overactive mind of its constant babble. In the last two days I've covered miles of rocky, muddied path. I've gotten dirty and become sore and exhausted, happily.
I've wandered confidently onto slippery stone, waterfall ledges and gasped for air at heights that have made my head spin just a little. I am not fearless. I am not even all that adventurous. What I am is a person who keeps good company. Choosing the right people to share the journey with, is what brings on that weightlessness that comes from nothing more than feeling safe. Choosing the right people to share the journey with is what pushes you to grow, to move beyond what is familiar and dare to be more than you've been. You can do this because you know there is someone who has your back. In a hike, if I fall, maybe my companion will help me up. Maybe we will laugh, maybe I'll need the helping hand or maybe I'll be surprised that I don't. Just like the path we choose in life, the right company can make it an even better experience.
I'm aware when I'm hiking, that I am so blessed. I am blessed to be able to climb and feel breathless. I am blessed to be able to take the time to appreciate natural beauty and test my personal limits. I am blessed to live in a land that offers so many wonderful paths to discover. But mostly, I am blessed with good company. Whether I am sharing an invigorating climb with a friend to see how far we can go, or allowing my kids to discover that they can be brave and curious, the company I keep makes my journey richer.
I had the pleasure of sharing some of my favorite places with a new friend yesterday. We wandered in rainy conditions and braved slippery terrain to discover what she aptly dubbed "a spiritual experience" at the top of a beautiful, mist filled waterfall at Glenn Onoko Falls Trails. We enjoyed what was an appreciation of the climb, the art and beauty so readily available in nature, and the fun that lies in learning a new person.
Today, with the dawn of another moody weather day, I took to the woods with a long time, good friend. This was my first time exploring Rickets Glenn Falls trails and it proved to be nothing short of amazing. We pushed our limits climbing and discovering waterfall after waterfall, until we knew we would have to start making our way back. A total of seven miles later, we returned to the car exhausted and starving! It was a long walk in the woods...
Sometimes it seems that is life... A long walk in the woods. It tires you out sometimes and energizes you at other times. There is beauty all around if you remember to look up, and the path looks different upon every step. Sharing that path with another keeps it interesting, helps keep you safe, and pushes you to be your best.
I find during every hike that I can feel this uncontrollable smile spread across my face. I feel free. I feel blessed. I feel strong. I see such beauty and wonder. I enjoy watching another person perceive the same view in their own way. I appreciate the good company I have been fortunate enough to keep as I make my way on a hike, as well as through my life. Sometimes, you banter back and forth, mindless or meaningful. Sometimes you share silence and peace. Sometimes it's a laugh and sometimes it's a cry.
Choose a path. Share a conversation or a silence. Embark on a journey that helps you discover who you are.
Breathe. Grow. Evolve.
I've wandered confidently onto slippery stone, waterfall ledges and gasped for air at heights that have made my head spin just a little. I am not fearless. I am not even all that adventurous. What I am is a person who keeps good company. Choosing the right people to share the journey with, is what brings on that weightlessness that comes from nothing more than feeling safe. Choosing the right people to share the journey with is what pushes you to grow, to move beyond what is familiar and dare to be more than you've been. You can do this because you know there is someone who has your back. In a hike, if I fall, maybe my companion will help me up. Maybe we will laugh, maybe I'll need the helping hand or maybe I'll be surprised that I don't. Just like the path we choose in life, the right company can make it an even better experience.
I'm aware when I'm hiking, that I am so blessed. I am blessed to be able to climb and feel breathless. I am blessed to be able to take the time to appreciate natural beauty and test my personal limits. I am blessed to live in a land that offers so many wonderful paths to discover. But mostly, I am blessed with good company. Whether I am sharing an invigorating climb with a friend to see how far we can go, or allowing my kids to discover that they can be brave and curious, the company I keep makes my journey richer.
I had the pleasure of sharing some of my favorite places with a new friend yesterday. We wandered in rainy conditions and braved slippery terrain to discover what she aptly dubbed "a spiritual experience" at the top of a beautiful, mist filled waterfall at Glenn Onoko Falls Trails. We enjoyed what was an appreciation of the climb, the art and beauty so readily available in nature, and the fun that lies in learning a new person.
Today, with the dawn of another moody weather day, I took to the woods with a long time, good friend. This was my first time exploring Rickets Glenn Falls trails and it proved to be nothing short of amazing. We pushed our limits climbing and discovering waterfall after waterfall, until we knew we would have to start making our way back. A total of seven miles later, we returned to the car exhausted and starving! It was a long walk in the woods...
Sometimes it seems that is life... A long walk in the woods. It tires you out sometimes and energizes you at other times. There is beauty all around if you remember to look up, and the path looks different upon every step. Sharing that path with another keeps it interesting, helps keep you safe, and pushes you to be your best.
I find during every hike that I can feel this uncontrollable smile spread across my face. I feel free. I feel blessed. I feel strong. I see such beauty and wonder. I enjoy watching another person perceive the same view in their own way. I appreciate the good company I have been fortunate enough to keep as I make my way on a hike, as well as through my life. Sometimes, you banter back and forth, mindless or meaningful. Sometimes you share silence and peace. Sometimes it's a laugh and sometimes it's a cry.
Choose a path. Share a conversation or a silence. Embark on a journey that helps you discover who you are.
Breathe. Grow. Evolve.