Step 2 -Let the Adventures Begin
I have always felt like I was sent on this earth to be a conduit for others as well as connect for my own self growth journey. When we resist what persists God shows us why pushing through something hard or out of our comfort zone can be so rewarding. I was introduced to someone 5 or 6 years ago that kept popping into my space. My gut said “connect” so I finally did, this led to a connection with a little but mighty powerhouse of a woman who I now feel privileged to call friend. Sara has done TEDtalks, she’s a motivational speaker, leader, mother, author, explorer and survivor! If you ask me “she’s the true form of badass!” She and her team work with people who want to heal from past trauma and grief. They help them find their way through fear and forgiveness while they are enveloped in Mother Nature’s spectacular beauty. I just happened to get invited to participate in her last retreat she would be doing for a while in the Grand Canyon!!!! ONCE IN A LIFETIME OPPORTUNITY – who would say no? I felt nervous, blessed, and excited all at the same time and it only took me a few hours to push the green light to go. I was being offered a rare opportunity to hike to the bottom of the Grand Canyon with 9 people I didn’t know, sleeping for 2 nights in cabin, going off the grid from all outside communication and being coached all in one trip? So, let’s review, I’m scared of heights, don’t like to journal, I’ve never been to the GC, never hiked, never packed or carried a backpack. This was a co-ed trip (1 male to 8 females = ha ha poor guy)we all bunked in the same cabin, 2 rooms with 10 bunk beds and very little wiggle room, where we shared our stories and journaled our way through hard conversations. UH – HOW FAR OUT OF MY BOX ARE YOU TRYING TO GET ME GOD? I get that you want me to connect and stop doing things alone BUT good grief. LOL
I HAD THE BEST TIME OF MY LIFE! Again, if you step out of your comfort zone you find that there is a whole new adventure waiting for you just on the other side. I met the most incredible people, laughed harder than I’ve laughed in a long time. I’m so grateful for all that I have experienced in life to get me to this place! I learned several things, first, I need to connect more with people and stop trying to do everything alone! Even though it’s what I’m used to sometimes you need to stop and meet people where they are at, other times it’s ok to walk alone. Starting conversations with others on the trail or at the resting sites, looking up and not just wandering off alone. I met so many interesting people and heard so many fascinating stories. I also found my happy place, the HOT SUN, being outside all day just like when we were kids, getting dirty, watching tadpoles, and moving our bodies while connecting with the earth. My body craves movement so being able to walk from dusk to dawn was so invigorating and good for my soul! One night we grabbed our pillows and blankets to hike out to the silver bridge, we laid two by two, staring at the stars, feeling the wind envelope us while carrying on fun conversations! We didn’t take our eyes off of the sky though, and magically saw 5 shooting stars fly across the sky.
The second lesson for me was letting go of responsibilities, I have had to be the provider for my daughter and I since she was 2. My mother taught me to work hard, provide and be responsible. I don’t know how to just let go but I’m trying. I let go of my phone, email, distractions, the past, and lived in the moment. NO WIFI is so liberating! I recommend everyone going off the grid a few times a month! There was no caring about our appearance or the fact that we had to utilize port a potties and bath in the creek (showers got turned off by day two). No fashion show or give a F on this trip! I loved that part also until I met some super cute guys at the watering hole on the way out of the canyon! HA -HA - we talked for a long while, too bad they were from Canada! I keep saying I want to date someone who lives in another state but Canada is kind of far! Guess what, this is the real me, take it or leave it!
Lesson three was my God lesson! He kept whispering to me about my sister and how I needed to connect with her while on this trip. I resisted and told myself this journey wasn’t about that… OH but it was! I’ll fill you in on those details in my next blog post!
It’s only July and I’m checking all of the exploring boxes! One trip down and two to go! I’m making myself go to events, book new adventures or accept invitations that I need to go on in order to meet new people and make connections. I’m living a life with purpose and not letting anyone or anything get in my way of all of the steps still to take. GRATEFUL
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