Go Take A Hike
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

Go Take A Hike

Seriously, go take a hike

20
Go Take A Hike
Julia Lin Gonzalez

Go take a hike. No, seriously go take a hike.

I spent an entire week in the Great Smoky Mountains for family vacation this summer and it was a week filled with adventure. I have never understood why I loved the outdoors so much until I found myself sitting on a rock, underneath a waterfall that was sending out a fine mist as it hit the water behind me. I felt peace, but not the kind of peace you get when you turn in your midterm two minutes before it is due. The kind of peace where you feel whole. Everything around you is working in harmony. The birds are chirping, the water is flowing at a steady pace and the trees are swaying just enough for the limbs to move the leaves, allowing them to carry the soft sound of the wind. You are in a state of complete and total bliss, and everything for that moment, no matter how long, is perfect.

Bliss (v.) - a state of perfect happiness, typically so as to be oblivious of everything else

That was the first time during the trip that I felt that way but throughout the week I found myself slowly staying in that state of bliss. We found ourselves constantly going out, looking for our next adventure, even if it meant going off the beaten path (literally, sorry mom but at least we didn’t get hurt). My favorite spot was one that we found the day before we left. We were headed to hike up to a waterfall when we couldn’t find anywhere to park so we decided to skip that one and find another. As we’re heading down the mountain the brakes on the car started getting too hot so we had to pull over and that’s when we found it. You could barely see the path, rocks, moss, and fallen trees littered the way but at the end of it was the most serene view. Rocks that had fallen down the mountain made the perfect spot in the stream. It was picture perfect to say the least. We hopped along the river on these rocks, even climbing up a slick boulder to take a picture. It was perfect. It made me realize that a stream, with a few rocks was able to turn our misfortune into the greatest experience of vacation. It was in this moment that I realized how this forgotten, rocky stream related to my life in more ways than one. Like we were hopping along the rocks in the stream, we often hop from one challenge to the next in life. Sometimes we’re faced with a scary obstacle (the slick boulder) that makes us use our wits to overcome. However, just like the stream, no matter how many rocks are thrown in our path, we will continue to flow, as strong and more beautiful than before. I didn’t realize that what my soul was searching so long for was literally right outside of my door. Nature is all around us. Ready to take us in and show us a whole new world, that is if you’re ready. If you are ready for adventure, to find bliss and be at peace. Go take a hike. See where the journey takes you, even if it is off the beaten path.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

89953
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

62168
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments