This past weekend, my parents and I took a much-needed hike up what is known as Waterfall Canyon in Ogden (which is a part of the Bonneville Shoreline Trail). This trail is rated as "moderate," according to my AllTrails app. It definitely is a little difficult due to the many rocks one has to climb. Luckily, though, there was no snow or ice this time. It seems that whenever I take my parents hiking, unfortunate circumstances occur. Last time we went hiking, we hiked Donut Falls and it was very snowy and icy, and everyone fell. This time, both of my parents fell, even though there was no snow or ice! In their defense, it gets challenging in areas due to all the many rocks. I almost fell a few times myself (but we all know I am a young ninja warrior, so I never fall). Overall, though, everyone survived, with only two in the group suffering from minor cuts and bruises. Moving on to a more personal note, this has been a stressful time in my life. Between my new teaching job, my summer Research in TESOL graduate class I am taking, and the assessment team I am a part of, life never seems to let me take a break. I am constantly planning, grading, researching, writing, and worrying about many things. However, making sure I block out time every week to be in nature has really helped me ease my mind, as well as keep myself in good health. I needed to sweat this past weekend. I have found that, when I get out and enjoy nature during the weekend, I am more confident, happy, and resilient the rest of the week. I accumulate this energy that does not seem to be present when I spend my weekends inactive. Plus, the feeling of accomplishing yet another hike and another step towards my goal makes me feel powerful. I have been thinking about the movie Wild lately. It is based off a memoir (which I really want to read), written by a woman who hikes the Pacific Coast Trail (which is incredibly long and challenging). It has a similar theme to Eat, Pray, Love. This author of the memoir Wild has experienced much stress in her life, so she takes this adventure in pursuit of happiness and peace. I kind of feel like that woman – minus the fact that I am not giving up my career and basically my life to be in the wilderness. And besides the fact that she is much more of a rebellious, hard-core superwoman than I am. And besides the fact that she is much crazier than I am. I also have not experienced nearly the stress she has experienced that led her to take this journey. Okay, so really my life is nothing like this book and movie – but, she inspires me. I have been listening to the soundtrack, and this is one of the songs from it that I have thoroughly enjoyed. It is originally written and performed by R.E.M., but I am a fan of First Aid Kit, and do prefer this version (you may disagree, and that is okay – I know there are some strong R.E.M. fans out there). Enjoy. |
"I don't need no persuading
I'll trip, fall, pick myself up and
walk unafraid"