Planning – Hikes & Hijinks

Last year, when I decided to plan my first long-distance trek on Wainwright’s Coast to Coast trail as a way to celebrate my 40th birthday (learn more about that here), I don’t think I realized how much the decision would change my life before I’d left for the adventure.

As someone who has always struggled with anxiety, it was a HUGE idea to even consider. I had to ask myself if I thought I could actually do it, and still, I’m trying to find that answer. But, if we all avoided things we were afraid of, there would be no joy or excitement in the world. There would be no brilliance.

Kayaking in Vermont with the tour guide’s doggo

Since choosing to add this adventure to my life, I’ve become more focused, both on my health and on my life. I pay attention to how much I’m sedentary. I try to get out in nature more. I’ve even signed up for my first half marathon in November.

There are a thousand little changes I’ve made just because of one big decision. And it’s been wonderful. Even though the idea of flying on a plane and doing this adventure is anxiety-inducing, I’ve found myself less anxious in general because of it.

But I think one of the biggest impacts it has had is on my relationship with the friends who agreed to go with me.

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When I began thinking about starting a blog, I couldn’t decide which interest I wanted to focus on, but over the past few years, if there’s anything I learned, it’s that you have to celebrate your everyday adventures. I don’t necessarily lead an incredibly inspiring or adventurous life, but as I considered this, I realized that it’s likely that most people don’t.

Enjoying my favorite cider whilst kayaking.

For many people, travel is a luxury that they cannot afford. Throughout my life, it was the same for me. I still scrounged and saved to make it happen, but there was always a a sense of sacrifice in travelling, even though it brought so much happiness. When I see Instagram accounts urging people to quit their jobs and travel for a year, I immediately think of that viral TikTok response where a woman interrupts to tell you the video is not speaking to you.

It’s not feasible for most to do that. It’s a dream and a wonderful idea, but not something the average person can achieve. So, I dreamed up this blog, which is for the people who dream of travel, who manage to save and take one trip a year (or less). It’s not about grand trips or #vanlife (though both are amazingly fantastic).

Instead my blog will be a more personalized account of navigating my journey through life. My focus will be on travel adventures, hikes, and some silliness along the way, and I will also focus on mental health and personal well-being.

Over the past several years, I have gone through many ups and downs, and I’ve found that it’s so important to take stock of what’s great in your life so you’re able to survive it. And beyond that, you have to work to create a life that you’re not simply “surviving” but enjoying. Next year, I turn 40, and the true realization of that came to me last year. However, it spurred something completely unexpected… a new adventure.

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Category: Planning

Navigating Middle Age: Forties, Anxiety, and Hiking, Oh My!