I love exposing others to the beauty of nature around us. It is my goal to make the places that I find more accessible through photos and descriptions of my experiences, from start to finish. I feel obliged to do this due to the profound effect that nature and being outdoors has on me…body, mind and spirit. I deal with anxiety, sometimes mild, sometimes severe, from time to time. I’ve found that being outdoors and communing with nature has hugely noticeable healing effects on me. I know that it works for me and I want to inspire others to try it, even if they don’t have anxiety! There are no downsides.
Start: Prep for a successful hike, or walk, is crucial. You can find perfect lists online and preparation varies based on terrain, length, weather, etc. Be prepared and always use appropriate shoes and bring plenty of hydration and snacks. A good friend, 2 legged or 4, can be a nice touch.
Journey: Enjoy it! I typically go a little slower on the way in if I’m making a round trip, stopping for photos, taking in sites, sounds, smells and the like. If there is a destination involved, that’s where I enjoy having a snack and taking my shoes off to walk in a river or just laying back to rest for a spell. I tend to speed it up on the return trip, getting my heart going with the goal to be just about spent when I return to my truck.
Finish Part 1: I always leave sandals/flip flops and a small cooler of ice with a special treat waiting for me in my vehicle. Your feet will feel so good out of the socks and shoes and the special treat is up to you. I love an ice cold beer, soda, or energy drink. Trust me.
Finish Part 2: Once I get home I can’t wait to review and edit my photos. I’ll add my favorites to social media and respond to comments and questions.
Ultimately I feel amazing after a challenging walk in a beautiful place. And I’m here to tell you that my anxiety can be so bad that it has almost stopped me at the trail-head from proceeding on my planned hike. Our imaginations are incredibly powerful but I have found a cure that works for me. I put one foot in front of the other and before you know it, I’m on cruise control and all that I’m thinking about is my next step and the beauty that I’m surrounded by. I’ve dubbed it, “Exfoliation for the Soul”, so get out there and heal!
Warning: Other side effects may include but are not limited to; uncontrollable smiling, elevated optimism, loss of weight and an increase in muscle tone!
