An Ode to the Trails

When your weeks are filled with challenges, physical and emotional, how do you overcome? This is my ode to the trails that recharge my soul and invigorate my spirits when times have been particularly challenging. Gratitude will always be one of the greatest gifts we can give in reminding oneself of how incredibly precious our lives truly are. Happy trails!

You lay there perfectly still. Winding through mountainous landscapes, fording rocky creeks, rising above tree line, and descending into the deepest of valleys. You do nothing, but simply exist. Are you aware that your existence has allotted me the luxuries of travel, growth, happiness, sadness, wisdom, fear, friendships, challenging me to be the most present as I navigate your ever-changing terrain? Are you aware that I go to you when I'm scared, when I need to hide, when I need to feel? Your rocks, your roots, your creatures, your rivers and trees, work in unison in providing my soul with nourishment I simply cannot acquire elsewhere. Do you know that I need you? I need you like the flowers need the bees, like the birds need the trees, like the heat needs a breeze. You hear my troubles, you support my victories, and you are unwavering as the weight of my body comes crashing down on top of you in every step I take.

How is it that I have been fortunate enough to know you? Why do you give me so much and ask for nothing in return? Will you promise to always remain steadfast and constant? Will you promise never to leave me if I promise to always look after you? If I promise to tell your story of beauty and perseverance? If I promise to keep your secrets? If I promise to do my best to protect you from harm as you have protected me? If I promise to whisper amongst the evergreens, and shout with reckless abandon into your canyons? If I promise to dip in your rivers and sunbathe atop your boulders?

I have nothing to give in return, but it is my belief you're not looking for return. I believe you exist to be selfless. To serve the souls who travel your winding paths, who bathe in your creeks, and stand bold on the peaks of your mountains. You may be the epitome of selflessness dear friend of mine. Thank you. Thank you for getting me through the challenges I am faced with. Thank you for forcing me to fall so I learn that I must always pick myself up to push onward. Thank you for laughter shared with friends amongst your silence. Thank you for letting me dance under your moonlight, and find shelter from the storms. Thank you for letting me find love where it's not supposed to be, right in front of me.

Yours truly,
Me