Last Chance for Spring Break

I am currently on my way to Panama City Beach in honor of my last chance at a Spring Break. I recently graduated from college and have never celebrated due to the fact that I have always worked. However, with my impending trek less than 3 weeks out I decided to live a little.

“The only person holding you back is yourself”

Just two weeks ago I was putting in my month’s notice at work when shortly thereafter I recieved a text asking me on a last minute trip to PCB. I was hesitant at first to say the least. Various questions ran through my mind. “How can I fit a vacation in my budget right now?” “Will they let me get off work this short of notice?” It took a couple days before I realized that this is exactly what mindset I need to avoid while on my trek.

What is the point of a thru-hike if not to get away from the everyday rut of my average lifestyle? This was a chance to open up and take a spontaneous trip. So I’m the passenger of a vehicle making a 9 hour overnight drive to the beach with no regrets.

What use is it to be worried about the opinions of people at a job that I will no longer work for? Why should I be scared to ask for a day off? After telling my manager about it, he didn’t even bat an eyelash at the idea and approved my days without conflict. Now I can spend some of my last days before the trail with my amazing friends and girlfriend. That sounds much more enjoyable than working another 45 hour week right?

Say Yes!!

One thing I’m glad that I’m learning is to take opportunities as they come. Joe Dirt said it best when he stated, “You can’t have no in your heart.” Terrible source for a reference I know, but still a very true statement. Sometimes you just have to say yes. If not there’s no telling what you might be missing out on. Sadly enough life flies by quicker than we’d like. I’d rather live it rather than just survive it. There’s more to life than paying bills until you die. Sure another week of work would definitely help my budget, but a week of sand and sun seems like a much better alternative. Smoking a few cigars out on the beach is what I call truly living.

The first yes I said was, “yeah I’ll go hike the AT with you.” Now I’m on a spontaneous trip to the beach just weeks away from hitting the trail. I hope to carry this mentality on trail and be open to each new opportunity that comes my way. Being open minded is the only way to truly experience what the trail, as well as life in general, has to offer. Here’s to the start of a life lived in full.