…and I must go.
This is a quote from John Muir that has been on my mind lately. As I trek forward with my self-discovery journey, it really rings true.
I am happiest when I am out adventuring.
It doesn’t necessarily need to be mountains, but if I’m being honest, there is no better feeling than a hard hike through streams, rivers, forests, and rocks to get to that magical moment. You know what I’m talking about..the payload. The view or experience at the end of the trail. Why else would we be hiking for miles on end?
Well..for me personally, the hike IS the payload. That is where growth and peace happens for me. Pushing through obstacles in my way. Continuing when your legs burn after a steep incline, or your lungs are a little winded. That builds mental toughness and is far more rewarding than any PR in the gym.
Now, I just arrived back home from my Alaska trip. I’m truly struggling to put words onto paper to describe the experience.
Alaska is just so..raw. Real. BEAUTIFUL.
Even when it was raining. As a matter of fact, those were some of my favorite hikes – when it was pouring down rain. Again, it made the journey that much more memorable.
When I was in Alaska, it was very apparent to me that I would come back home a different person. I don’t know what triggered this change, but I feel like it was needed.
Different is scary. Change. Our brain doesn’t want us to change. No way. Stay the same. It’s safe that way.
Fuck. That.
Clarity. That’s what it is..the change in me. I have clarity in my personal life for the first time in a very long time.
I am meant to be free. We all are.
That’s my clarity. For me, that feels like adventure. Seeing this beautiful world of ours, starting with our own backyard – the US of A. Our own country is often forgotten when it comes to travel and adventures. Hell, we have 63 national parks! 63. Did you know that? Talk about an adventure of a lifetime, visiting all of them.
Most importantly.. I have clarity when it comes to dating. Friendships. Family. My clarity also means boundaries. This is something I have really struggled with – setting boundaries.
It’s ENFORCING those boundaries once set. People tend to get very upset when you set boundaries with them. Why is that?
Because they can no longer take advantage of you. You are taking the power away from them.
Now, I realize this post is all over the place. That’s kind of my life. Bear with me. I used to have a blog many, many years ago and when I stopped keeping up with that hobby, my writing suffered. I’ll get there.
We’ll all get there. Your “there” probably isn’t my “there”. But we’ll all get there at some point.
Let’s keep trekking on.
For now, I must go..the mountains are calling.
Matt
Love it!