I have been asked why I am doing this. Reasons have been suggested that are right and wrong. I know I'm supposed to have a clear answer on this, especially something that is worth holding onto when I'm out there and I want to quit - something bigger than me.
It's for so many reasons, big and small. I'm not even sure which are the most important anymore or what I'll hold onto to keep me going and which I'll throw out along the way.
I have been a follower of the idea of having big dreams for a long time. I've believed that positive thinking, perseverance and determination could get you through most things. I think maybe I lost my way somewhere, or let the wrong things become a focus, majoring on minors and minoring on majors. I want to get back to that. One reason is for perspective - to have a different one; a clearer, real view of the world, myself, and my place in it.
The physical benefits are important to me too. I've sat at a desk during the day and played computer games at night for too long and the elicited effects around my midsection have got to go! This is more of a side effect of hiking that I'm super excited about...I don't think a flat stomach is going to knock me off the trail when it happens. Along these lines, I want to be in tune with my body in a new way during and after the trail.
I'm doing it for the tangible, measurable goal that I can look at and see, like after mowing the lawn and seeing the perfect criss cross pattern instead of something that fades away over time and becomes diminished. This might not make sense to everyone, but it does to me...I'm looking forward to the challenge.
I am looking for something else, too. I'm not sure what, but I have every faith I will find it and much more. Does this all sound a little too vague and 'finding myself'? Maybe a little, but again, I'm okay with that...it makes sense to me.
It's been asked if I'm running away from something. Sure, everything! I'm looking forward to the pleasure of living in nature and letting the cares of the world fall away behind me. Yes, I have some pains that I'll be happy to let go of out there. Maybe this has to do with the perspective thing again. There isn't anything specifically that I'm running away from, except maybe life itself...and I'm happy to flee into the woods, knowing that when I come out I'll be bigger than any worry I carried in with me.
I am eliminating a regret. I know that if I don't do something big with this time I will regret it. A few other ideas came to mind, but nothing as satisfying and rewarding as this; nothing that I've found a great passion for and already poured my heart and thoughts into. This is so much more to me than taking some time off, a vacation or adventure.
I really love being in nature. I think this has a lot to do with the camping trips my Dad took me on as a kid around the US and going up north even before there was the cabin. I have enjoyed camping as an adult too and many of my favorite memories are of trips taken and spent outdoors. So, how cool is an outdoor adventure that lasts over 4 months?! Amazing, duh!
Another side effect that I'm super excited about and not so much a reason, but worthy of being mentioned; quitting cigarettes and coffee!!! And since we are talking about things that I'm not doing while I'm out there....lets celebrate for a second; skipping that time of month for six months! Woot!
and Happy Birthday Cristy!
