When you stand at the bottom of a mountain and gaze up at the summit far above, the climb seems endless and your body sags in weariness at the monumental task ahead. Then you take a deep breath, unclench your jaw, and take that first step. And then another. And another.
I always dreamed of flying.
I drew comics with my brother of starships on epic adventures across the galaxy. I made an entire book full of careful instructions and detailed notes on making paper airplanes. I went to the field where all the men took their remote control planes and rejoiced when they offered to let me fly one. I made model rockets and launched them high up into the sky.
And then I grew up. I got a job, then another job, and then another job. I moved around, never quite satisfied with what I was accomplishing. But it was more than just experience and learning new skills. I went from being a reckless, hot-headed youth to a grumpy and easily upset young man. Finally, an opportunity opened up for me to drop everything and become a different person for a short while. A smelly, tired, and very happy hiker.
In 2019, I hiked the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine. It took 172 days, a lot of determination, and the encouragement of family, friends, and the many fellow hikers along the trail. Going on a journey of this magnitude is life-changing and it certainly did that for me. I was able to realize why dissatisfaction was eating me up from the inside. I had lived my life for myself. I had enjoyed the fruits of my labor and neglected the lives of those around me.
My new journey has now been two years in the making and I have never been more excited to approach a mountain peak. I hope you want to walk this trail with me and explore new heights together!