In our busy, non-stop lifestyle where we can work, shop or chat around the clock, it's only too easy to forget sometimes our connection to the outdoors world. But head out into nature and you will find peace, a refuge, a chance to grow or to just 'be'.
Disconnecting from the digital world and taking time away from your business or lifestyle for more than a couple of days can seem like a daunting prospect. We see it as 'time off' -- in other words, time that has been borrowed from other, more pressing activities. Sure, most of us would love to have the luxury of an extended journey, but when? How? For some of us, at this moment in our lives, it can only be a dream.
This is why I love to read the experiences of someone who did make that break, and shares the lessons that she learned with us all. In 2001, MysticTurtle hiked the mighty Appalachian Trail (all 2,100 miles of it) and in her own words found it "a life-changing experience". In Life Lessons from the Appalachian Trail she bears witness to the idea that from the greatest challenges come the greatest opportunities to learn.
Far from isolating herself on her lone trek, she found her life touched by the kindness of strangers and by the temporary but sincere camaraderie of other hikers. Social niceties were stripped away, laying bare the things that truly mattered. And she learned plenty about self-sufficiency into the bargain.
This inspiring account of MysticTurtle's hike is presented as a metaphor for life. She ends the article with the words: "...when you think you've got nothing left to give, the passion will pull you through to the end, and you'll find you're stronger than you ever dreamed you were".
If you need some encouragement to tackle a task you've been putting off, even if it's not one that involves walking 2,100 miles, take heart from MysticTurtle's accomplishment. After all, she would be the first to admit that, through thick and thin, she could only take it one step at a time. And that's a lesson that holds true for us all.
Visit: Life Lessons from the Appalachian Trail
Image Credit: Not All Who Wander Are Lost by AlliCo
It is amazing how you can do anything if you really put your mind to it. Thanks for an inspiring Monday morning pick me up.
ReplyDeleteFantastic review! And fantastic work from MysticTurtle as well. Thank you for letting us know about it. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for the glowing review...it gave me goosebumps! I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to hike the AT and that I have Squidoo to share the experience with others. When I first started the trail, I had no idea how much it would continue to impact my life. I can say the same for Squidoo. Both have expanded my life tremendously and opened up doors that I didn't even know were there.
ReplyDeleteThis lens was indeed absolutely wonderful and I enjoyed every minute of it! Thank you for directing my path there today :)
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MysticTurtle, it was my great pleasure to focus your amazing accomplishment and the stories you had to share. Thanks everyone for stopping by here. It makes my day to find such wonderful works and to know you enjoyed them as much as I did.
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