I recently got back from Alaska where I spent 9 days hiking a few of the national parks including Denali.

I hadn’t hiked much this summer as I wanted to spend time traveling to be with family. Thus, I felt every step up the mountain a little more acutely. Before moving to Virginia, I”m not sure it ever occurred to me to see hiking as anything more than an exercise in torture. 

You see I’m a runner. I run from point A to point B with no detours, no stops for lunch, no pictures, and definitely no bear spray.

Here are 5 lessons hiking has taught me about resilience.

1. One step at a time. Just show up and keep walking one step at a time no matter how difficult the journey ahead. And before you know it, you’ll be through the worst of it.

2. Look up on occasion.  There’s not much at this age to anticipate wanting to accomplish. We’ve checked most of the boxes. Savor what you’ve accomplished. Stop and look around from time to time.
3. Be prepared for your journey.  Preparing for most things in life is good advice. Hiking is no different. It may be above freezing at the trailhead and below freezing at the summit. Pack well.
4. Celebrate when you get to the top.  Maybe you grab your camera and snap a few pictures. It’s important to celebrate the mini accomplishments in life.
5. Think of your future self.  I suffered when hiking up Exit Glacier. With a little preparation, I would have enjoyed this hike much more. This can be applied to reaching any of your goals-getting in shape, saving money, reaching your career goals.

Hiking, camping, and being in nature reminds me of the simplicity in life.  The trees, so old and stoic, scarcely show much in the face of the winter breeze. The birds, performing their best songs as if they’re only singing for you.

Once my feet hit home turf, I’m reminded of how much I miss the little things like my bed, a hot shower, and a thin crust pizza (I’m from Buffalo you know!).

When the world is topsy-turvy and nothing makes sense, and when the ground is moving underneath me, connecting with nature always helps!

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