Friday is here! Who’s excited? I know I am. Gotta love a three day weekend. Not to mention, some of my favorite folks are popping in to see me this weekend. Dad and Caite should be here in just a few hours, and, per usual, I’ve got all kinds of things scheduled! I think we’re going to hit the movies tomorrow, and see “Gangster Squad”. We’ve all been wanting to see it for months. I love Emma Stone, and, well, Ryan Gosling is in it. ‘Nough said, right?
So I have some sad news I need to get out of the way. I’m completely caught up with Downton Abbey. I finished Season 2, and watched both of the new Season 3 episodes last night. So that means I now have to wait for each new episode every week like everyone else. I may be going through withdrawals. Is it too soon to start over? I have a feeling John is reading this, and screaming “YES!” at the top of his lungs. Don’t worry, I’ll get him to come around ;).
Today I want to continue the 5 Things I’ve Learned series. I started everyone off with a silly one last week, but this week I wanted to touch on a subject that you all know is near and dear to my heart.
5 Things I’ve Learned From Backpacking
1. I am so much stronger than I ever imagined. From time to time, I get labeled as an “outdoorswoman” or “outdoor enthusiast” here in the blog world, and I always have to do a double take to check who they’re talking about. But it is me! In my mind, this is an incredible fact. When I started backpacking and discovered that I am physically capable of climbing mountains and hiking so many miles while carrying a loaded pack, I was astounded. This fact fills me with more pride than I can tell you.
2. God is in the mountains. I understand this is not true of all people, but, for me, I find God there every time. I feel more connected to my faith in the backcountry than I ever have in a church.
3. I am mentally tough. The first thing I learned was that I am physically strong enough to do this, but what is more important and more surprising is that I am mentally tough enough to do it as well. Many people will tell you that that is as important if not more so than the physical aspect of any kind of endurance feat. My limits have been tested, and they will be tested far further in the future, but I CAN do it.
4. Now I get really irritated when I have to stand in line for a bathroom. Yes, it’s a little funny, but after spending so much time in the woods, you become very accustomed to, uh, relieving yourself whenever and wherever necessary. As a result, waiting in line for a bathroom makes me irrationally crabby!
5. I know what it is to be truly passionate about something. Before I discovered backpacking, if someone asked me what I liked to do, I could usually only come up with reading. I didn’t really know what it was like to have a real passion for something-to have that one thing that you love to think about, talk about, and do constantly. Backpacking has become that passion for me, and no one is more surprised than I am!
Have a great weekend, everyone!
What are you passionate about?
Free Range Human 