As I lace up my hiking boots and take in the crisp November air, I can’t help but have an overwhelming sense of gratitude. At 52 years old, I am still able to embark on exhilarating hikes through nature’s wonders. During this month of thanks, I like to reflect on the incredible gift that is my body and the adventures it allows me to experience.
Here are 6 things I am grateful for:
1. Embracing the Joy of Movement: Hiking at 52 is a privilege I don’t take for granted. Every step I take on the trail reminds me of the miraculous gift of mobility. My body allows me to move freely, to explore new terrain, and to experience the sheer joy of being in nature.
2. The Wisdom of Age: With age comes wisdom, and I’ve learned to listen to my body and its needs. Hiking at 52 means I’ve honed the ability to pace myself, recognize my limits, and make the necessary adjustments to ensure a safe and enjoyable hike. This wisdom has made my outdoor adventures even more rewarding.
3. Connection with Nature: There’s something profoundly spiritual about being in nature. Hiking allows me to connect with the world around me, to witness the changing seasons, and to appreciate the beauty of our planet. I’m thankful that my body enables me to immerse myself in these experiences.
4. Physical and Mental Health Benefits: Hiking isn’t just a physical activity; it’s also a form of therapy for the mind and soul. The tranquility of the wilderness provides a mental reset, allowing me to return to daily life with a fresh perspective.
5. Inspiration and Time with Friends: The bonds that I have created on the trails are ones that I cherish always. Every conversation, every toast, every camp story, every smile, and every laugh, I am forever grateful and inspired by every woman I have met on the trail.
6. Gratitude for the Journey: Each hike is a journey of self-discovery and gratitude. I’m thankful for the strength of my legs that carry me up steep inclines and the resilience of my body that endures long treks. Every ache and fatigue is a reminder of the incredible capabilities of the human body.
In the words of one of my favorite songs by Tophouse,
“Why, do people climb mountains?
Is it just to reach the top and see the view?
Well I, tell you something
Every rock and every river
Every sore and every splinter
In the summer, in the winter
When it’s warm and when we shiver
When our feet are full of blisters
When it’s sweet and when it’s bitter
I’d climb every mountain with you.”
What are you grateful for?
