Finding Balance on the Trail

March 15, 2017

Balance. One of those words you know is good for you, but you never get around to doing it, right? It's like that workout plan you promised yourself on New Year's. The diet that didn't last. The fancy water bottle you bought that tracks how much you should be drinking, but in the end, it's another 20 wasted bucks. Oh, I'll have more balance in my life tomorrow. Then tomorrow turns into a few more days. Months. Years. Whoa. You're in your mid-twenties, freaking out.

Where did the balance go?

Sigh.

Hiking Is Not About You

February 27, 2017

You're ready for an adventure. You want to explore nature. Good for you. But hiking is not always about you.

It might sound harsh, but it's a fact.

You are stepping into a beautiful area you didn't create, so treat it with respect. You are sharing it with others, including wildlife.

So here's some tips on hiking etiquette. I live by these, when I go on a trail.

A Haven in Hiking

January 29, 2017

I've been asked, "When did you start hiking?"

It's an answer I hardly thought about. But truthfully, it was when I felt like my life was falling apart. Like my world was spinning on the wrong axis. When my heart couldn't take anymore, and wanted to crumble into a million tiny pieces. That's when I would take my pity party on a hike.

I found a haven in hiking. A secret getaway I never knew I needed. A hideaway from the mess, the problems, and people. It was just me and God. And I found comfort in that.

The Path Ahead

January 14, 2017

The first hike of 2016.

It started out easy, but became tough. Similar to how the year had been.

I'll never forget it. A love/hate relationship. The thorn in my side. A memory that makes you cringe. But still, pictures you look back at it, and smile. A very confusing, and at times, a dark year.

Once I thought I had mastered a part of my life, I was faced with another challenge. Another problem. Another struggle.

Thirst for More

December 8, 2016

The water rushes around my feet. A strong current. But I don't budge.

I could only think about how much I craved the sound, the feeling, the thrill of it all. But it also left a sense of sadness in me.

I missed this. Being outdoors. Exploring. I thirsted for more.

I realized I was chasing the wrong things in life. I ignored nature and the adventures out there. I wanted more success, money, superficial goals. While all this beauty around me was thriving, I felt withered, like I was spiritually dying.