H is for hiking! I absolutely LOVE hiking! It is the BEST for thinking and contemplating risks! There is also a certain risk that happens when setting out on that trail. What will you encounter? Will the trail really take as along as the guide says? Are there steps along the way that will bring an unknown adventure?
I have hiked many trails that were unknown by me. Sometimes with others and a lot of times on my own. The worst risk I took was when I decided to go hiking in 100 degree weather at noon with only 1 bottle of water, on a trail that wasn't marked very clearly.
I risked my life that day. I had to jump into the creek in order to cool off, and ended up getting minor heat stroke, which still affects me on very hot days. It was not the smartest decision I have ever made, and looking back I think that I was once again just trying to prove something to myself. Do you ever think that you take risks because you are trying to prove something? Maybe that is in fact what risks are mostly about. Trying to prove that you can do it. That no matter what you can succeed. Not every risk is worth it. That trail was beautiful, but not worth my life.
There is another trail that I hike, it is by far my favorite trail. I know it by heart. I know that when I get to certain points along the way I am getting closer to the end. I know the turns in the trail, the way that it winds through the woods. I know the random cars that have been left abandoned on the hills of the trail. I know that the risk isn't that high. So, often I take that trail. The familiar is necessary sometimes, for in the familiar I can do my best thinking. I am not worried about what is going to be around the next corner, I can just focus on the long term goals ahead.
These are the thoughts that I have when hiking. My brain has time to process, learn, grow, and look forward to the future!
1 comment:
I like this post. And yes to hiking! But smart hiking.
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