Pre-Trail Magic

It’s funny, really, how capable we are of change and growth when we allow ourselves to listen and be heard. I have been digesting this topic for some time now and feel ready to attempt to put it into words. At times, I feel like language often hinders our ability to communicate, when what we really want–is to share a physical feeling or state of mind.

I believe I have tapped into something magical. I have tapped into a source of energy that may or may not have been with me this whole time. This source has been guiding me to hike this hike. I do believe in the cliche, “everything happens for a reason,” and the power of cause and effect, but I have never seen my stars align like this before.  To ignore this, would be a mistake.

I am unsure still of how it all happened the way it has. Maybe “it” has always been happening. Just one big build up for right NOW! Did it start with the book “Becoming Odessa” falling into my lap? Was it my growing friendship with my supervisor who connected me with her twin sister, Jill, who thru-hiked the AT? Was it the fact that Jill gave me the book “Appalachian Trials” which made me, for the first time, think I am more than my limitations? Was it the submission of my 90 second video for the 2016 Badger Sponsorship that would mark the first time I would publicly share my struggle with Rheumatoid Arthritis, let alone, ask for help? Would it be that same video that would in turn connect me to not only a 2015 Badger Sponsored successful thru-hiker, Reed, as another source of trail guidance; but also flood me with a network of love and support from family, friends, and strangers? Is the timing just right? I do not know. What I do know, is that this brilliant chain of events is just starting…Just yesterday, a 2014 AT thru-hiker stayed at my moms Airbnb cottage on the farm–she and I connected and I feel honored to know yet another hiker’s story.

You can not tell me that these are coincidences, this is magic!

The amount of light shinning off of this 2, 190 mile trail radiates much, much farther than I could have dreamed. I am so thankful to be a part of this. Shine on!