I have healed up nicely in the little over two months since I finished the hike. I was actually very surprised that I felt as achy as I did when I finished hiking, since I really felt pretty good all the way to the end of the hike itself. I guess my mind must have been "willing" my body to keep together through the end of the hike. When I stopped hiking my ankles swelled and my knees hurt. At any rate, I am pretty much back to normal now. I have put my weight back on, plus a little extra. I am gradually learning that I cannot eat everything I want to now that I have stopped hiking.
As I have put a little distance - time-wise - from my hike, I have grown to appreciate the whole experience. Here are some thoughts that I hope to remember going forward:
- We tend to make life much more complicated than it needs to be. We can carry everything we need to live in a 35 pound backpack.
- Getting outdoors - especially "way outdoors" away from the hustle and bustle can be incredibly healing.
- A good meal involves shared tasks, good conversation, and wholesome food. (And I missed that often on the trail.)
- To the extent it is possible, do the tough climbs in the morning. That probably applies to any task in life... do the tough one first.
- Avoid using the words "should have". Live in the present.
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| Hannah Swoap receives our contribution check from Tom |
