In Between.

This is my first post on this side of my content. I thought it would be fun to try something a little different - writing not only about hiking, but about my personal life, the lessons I’ve learned and the ones I’m still learning.

Recently, I left a job that wasn’t good for me. Honestly, it felt freeing to walk away - but also scary, knowing I wouldn’t have a steady income. I realized that staying miserable in a job just to make money was a pretty awful way to live. With the help and support of my partner, Aidan, I was able to step away and give myself the chance to find something that genuinely interests me and makes me happy.

Since then, I’ve been applying to jobs nonstop, only to be met with a lot of no’s. I know this is something many people experience, but it can still feel defeating. You build confidence, imagine the possibility, and then hear the same rejection again and again. Lately, I’ve been trying to focus on staying hopeful - even when it’s hard.

Today was one of those small moments that stuck with me. I really wanted to hike, so I drove all the way to one of my favorite spots. When I got there, it was so windy and painfully cold. I sat for a minute, thought about it, and then turned around and drove all the way back home.

In the past, I probably would’ve been hard on myself for that - telling myself I should’ve pushed through, that it was “just a hike.” But I’m learning not to be so hard on myself when I don’t follow through on a plan or a task, even something simple. I can be really tough on myself when it comes to moving my body, and I’m trying to understand that it’s okay to turn back or not go at all. Life goes on. You’re still the same person even if you skip a cold, windy hike.

Christmas is coming up, one of my favorite times of year. My family is coming to visit me here in Colorado, and I’m really looking forward to having everyone together. I miss those moments during the holidays when families gather and simply are - no rush, no expectations.

I feel like I’m rambling at this point, but maybe that’s okay. This is my first reflection, and I’m still figuring out how much to share and how deep to go. Maybe the next one will be different. For now, I’m reminding myself that everything happens for a reason, and that life has a way of working out exactly how it’s meant to be.

Then and Now.