sunrise hike
My legs were still sore from our big trek the day before but we decided to get one last hike in before we had to head home. The morning was chilly but the wind had died down. Everything seemed calm. With only one other car at the trailhead the silence of the morning was a little eerie.
As we set out, the sun was still rising over the mountains casting a red glow over the rocky cliff face. It wasn't a particularly long trail but it was a solid forty five minutes up ….kind of like climbing steps on a steep hill with no flat surface for a bit of a break. I warmed up fast and was quickly a sweaty mess, panting worse than a dog on a hot summer’s day acutely feeling my aching legs from a monster hike the day before.
As we got to the top the sun was higher in the sky and the wind now blowing hard. Yet, even with the noise of the wind, everything seemed quiet and calm. I walked closer to the edge and stared out at the mountains and water that surrounded the small town below.
The lake was a deep blue, its beauty anchored by the mountains that rose majestically on either side. I looked to the east and saw the green forest speckled with the bright yellows of autumn. I looked further south and to the west and marvelled at the resiliency of the land as scorched trees stood tall in stubborn defiance of forest fires that had raged several years before. I wondered about the deer, the bears, the chipmunks and all the other wild things that roamed nearby.
In that moment I was overcome by a massive bubble of gratitude and joy. I closed my eyes to take in the sound of the wind and feel the cool air against my face. I wanted to imprint this memory, this feeling, this energy, in my mind. I wanted, when life felt hard, when I needed a boost and when I was craving adventure, to be able to take myself back to that moment. I had my friend take my picture so there was a visual reminder when I needed it. My heart was full.
As we turned to start our way down I knew that I would be back. Maybe not to that exact location but I would find my way back to a place where I could feel the wind on my face, the burn of my legs and the energy generated by propelling myself forward even when it is hard.
It is a feeling that sits deep in my soul giving me life long after the hike has ended.
I am now back at my desk with the light of sunrise replaced by the glow of my computer screen. There is a pile of laundry to deal with and a sink full of dishes. But for one moment I close my eyes and see myself overlooking the lake and the mountains. I can hear the whistle of the wind, feel the air against my cheeks, the ache of my legs. I can see my smile, my bright eyes and my strong body poised for more. The feeling is so close to the surface it is like I am there again. The laundry and dishes are forgotten. I have found my energy, my buzz.
With the memories of that morning all around me I walk forward into my day.
Tell me, where do you find your energy? When you close your eyes and picture a moment where you felt your best, what were you doing?
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