Monday, July 24, 2017
Over the past couple of weeks, I have been incredibly fortunate to spend a significant amount of time in the mountain backcountry. Remote coastal mountain wilderness, far from the nearest logging road, surrounded by old growth forested slopes, free running meltwater creeks. So remote you have to be flown in by helicopter if wishing to stay at a well-endowed rustic mountain hut.
It may sound ridiculous, but I describe these as "soul feeding" times.
I always knew I loved the mountains, yet I never really had the opportunity to spend a dedicated length of time (7 days) in a remote location (I've been on plenty of wilderness rafting expeditions but that involves travelling every day). Bring your own food, camp stove, sleeping bag, clothes and headlamp. Even though each day was spent vigorously working our way (we were a group of 8) through the forest, across alder fields, across boulder fields, up into the alpine, crossing raging meltwater creeks, I was totally enthralled and inspired every second of each day.
The mountains fed my soul.
The best thing you can possibly do for yourself is follow your heart. Whether it be in a relationship, in the pursuit of a personal goal, or seeking out the lifestyle that you know you must seek out, your heart will always tell you which way to turn. Your soul, in turn, will be fed.
I have followed my heart consistently for the past three years. Professionally, romantically, socially, fundamentally.
It is the only way I now know how to operate.
Yesterday, as I hiked back out along a barely discernible trail through the 800-year old forest, a thought struck me:
Do what you love and your confidence will flourish.
I love the mountains. By saying "Yes" to opportunities that gave me the time to be in the mountains, my ever-fluctuating level of confidence once began to soar. I was described as being totally content as I wandered along the trail, stopping to take photographs, examining the smaller details of the forest.
Find where you are content. Feed your soul. Raise your confidence. Fill your life with what makes you happy and enthusiastic. Fill your life with what will always keep you asking for more!
Happy Monday, Everyone.
