According to the National Park Service, today is “National Take a Hike Day”! Earlier this year I invested in a great pair of hiking boots with the intent of making hiking a part of my life. It’s a way to push myself physically and mentally, and to observe the natural beauty of our earth. To remind myself to feel small, and to see myself as threading in a complex tapestry. It’s also been an amazing opportunity to take my two cats hiking more often, so long as the trail is pet friendly. They ride in their backpacks, and we stop to explore together (on their leash at all times). It’s an opportunity to be still, and to reflect on things I’m grateful for. When you’re pushing yourself up miles of inclines on harder trails, I’m not thinking about the things that make me scared or anxious. My body is in full concentration to perform what to me is pretty remarkable - carrying myself. Knowing you pushed yourself to a mountain top is inspiring. It’s a small reminder that with hard work and dedication, you can likely accomplish your goals. I have a tendency to be a self loathing artist at times. I try to keep this side of me in check, but some days it feels hard to see what I am and how far I’ve climbed up my own proverbial mountain. Hiking has become a lot of things to me, but one of which is a reminder that my body and mind are incredibly capable, and that I have every reason to accomplish what I set out to do. I’m selfishly writing this to encourage my own self today. However if this is true for me I know it’s true for you, the reader. Today is a great day to accomplish something, be it little or big. Remember to care for and love yourself. Your body and mind can do amazing things, even if you have your doubts. This was taken at Max Patch on the North Carolina and Tennessee border. Max Patch is a clear mountain top because it was used as grazing for livestock in the 1800s and also had a landing strip for planes during the 1900’s. It’s now maintained in order to keep it’s appearance, otherwise the forest would gladly overtake the bald. This hike is extremely easy and really is just a means to see this historic and breathtaking landscape.
