Rewind to a couple of years ago. No one ever would have dubbed me as the adventurous type. I vividly remember one of my mother’s friends laughing at me my junior year of high school when I was speaking of my summer plans. She said, “I can’t believe that little Holley is going backpacking in the Tetons.” But despite her doubts, I did go backpacking and had the time of my life doing it.
I think my obsession with adventure began with my undying love for Pocahontas, and it just kind of blossomed from there. You can't blame me; who doesn't want to roam around the woods singing songs with her raccoon friend?
After my trip I grew a passion for exploring, whether it was discovering an unknown path in my hometown or adventuring to a state park. I like to be the kind of a girl with a plan, but some of the biggest influences in my life have steered me off that safe path, and I’m ever so thankful for that. It has led to some of the most unexpected and beautiful experiences of my life. I’m also not the athletic type, at all, so conquering some of these mountains (literally and figuratively) has been tough, to say the least.
I’m still not known as the spontaneous kind of girl, and probably never will be; sometimes I’m scared to go to the store by myself. But the point of this little tangent is that although your dreams are big and may collide with your spirit and body, it’s worth the fight. I won’t let myself be afraid to do what I love just because someone says that I can’t. It makes me want to prove them wrong that much more.
I’ve been reminded of my passions, once again, because of the autobiography I just finished reading, “Wild” by Cheryl Strayed. The book begins with the scene of Cheryl’s hiking boot falling off a steep incline, which gives the reader a huge insight into the struggles she would face. Because of Cheryl’s brokenness, she takes a journey across the Pacific Coast Trail (PCT) alone as a 26 year old woman with no previous backpacking experience. She hikes on the trail for months on end, at one point literally hiking in duct tape-covered flip flops. What a woman, I thought while I was reading the memoir. Cheryl found herself on the trail like I imagine so many people do.
Push your body.
Seriously, fall and get back up. Never did I ever imagine that I could carry a pack two/fifths of my weight for miles on end. I got blisters, had to take more breaks than I’m willing to admit, and slept four straight hours when we set up camp. Sometimes, the experience felt painful and miserable, and I just wanted to quit. But when I reached the mountaintops, I was flooded with emotion and satisfaction. Ultimately, I was so proud of myself at the end of our short trip. I didn’t shower for three days and was covered in dust and dirt, but I felt like a new person.
Push your mind.
When I first decided to go backpacking, I had never been before. Honestly, I didn’t even know how to use a lighter. There was so much for me to learn, and numerous humbling experiences on this trip. If I didn’t let myself get embarrassed, a time or two (or five), I would have never gained anything from the Tetons, or life at all. If my life was a movie, you would think that embarrassing myself was my favorite past time.
Too much of the time I let my fears get the best of me. Negative self talk is the beginning and end of failure. But while we’re on the subject of adventure, Richie Norton sums up the secret to overcoming fear. He states: “To escape fear, you have to go through it, not around.” What Norton says rings so true. I’ll still probably never overcome my fear of heights, but at least I'll still try to reach the top.
Push on.
Don’t give up when you get discouraged. If you’re feeling down and out about yourself, it’s probably because you’re an actual human being. Look to friends, and to God, for encouragement because their voice is worth beyond your understanding. Whenever someone is telling you that you can't, they are always there telling you that you can. It makes you realize what your words truly account for. Have you ever been in situation and a phrase your parent always says runs through your head? The fact is, words really stick with people, so make them count.
So whether you’re climbing a metaphorical mountain, or actually facing the high altitudes, discover where your heart is leading you and boldly pursue it. The experience will be so rewarding, and I can promise you that the view is grand.
