My First Hike Lead: Finding Myself on the Trail

Last summer I experienced two setbacks related to hiking partners. My dog Ajax injured his leg, and a hiking buddy shared her plan to move. In response, I decided to look for new hiking partners. Becoming a hike leader with the Mountaineers required completing 3 hikes, offering a mentored lead hike, and getting additional training. …

Clear’s Atomic Habits: How to Align Intentions and Habits

When I picked up Atomic Habits by James Clear this week for the second time, I didn’t expect to have such a profound shift in how I see myself. Clear’s concept that “every action is a vote for the type of person you want to become” hit home, challenging me to review my identity. Who …

Trails Curve: How to Embrace Detours and Setbacks

As I approach some hard new challenges, the accompanying emotional highs and lows feel disorienting. I’m reminded of something my spiritual coach says: “The closer you get to the gates, the louder the lions roar.” By this, she means that our internal resistance (aka the ego) tries to protect us from failure, falling, impostor syndrome, …