Posts by ChrisMadaySchmidt
When results and efforts differ: defining growth
Now that we’ve surpassed the five-month mark into our new adventure on the mountain (see After the Leap), due to a three-week setback with COVID early on—as well as multiple challenges that have taken precedence—it often seems we have little to show for our efforts. Especially when they’re not tangible or measurable; e.g., personal growth,…
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Goodbyes and expectation: returning to reality
When my daughter visited our cabin in September, the goodbyes were especially difficult for me—the only consolation that we’d meet up the following week when my husband and I traveled for appointments and planned to spend two nights at her home. Not surprisingly, when the moment came to say goodbye the second time, it proved…
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View your surroundings with fresh eyes: resurrecting potential
Recently, we hosted our daughter for the weekend at our little cabin in the woods. To view the space through her eyes for the first time reminded me of the reasons my husband and I fell in love with the mountain retreat when we, too, first laid eyes on it. Yet it’s too easy to…
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Looking ahead: a healthier future
During a recent hike, my husband and I descended roughly 500 feet into a canyon. And what goes down, must go up or vice versa. Since moving to the Mogollon Rim in Northern Arizona—elevation approximately 7,400 feet—I wonder if this may be why I sometimes struggle with breathing on inclines. Another consideration may be that…
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Living your best life: an act of balance
Recently, I updated my profile picture on Facebook. In the photo, I’m standing on the deck of our cabin, the forest in the background. A friend commented: Living your best life. And I had to ask myself: Am I really? One of my friends lives with chronic health problems. How often do I encourage her?…
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Better time management: keeping the balls in the air
In a recent post, I talk about guarding our time by creating boundaries. Lately, however, my own boundaries have blurred—causing my list to “overfloweth.” Yet each task is something I’m “called” to do, which means choosing which one (or 10) must get the axe. But do I really have to eliminate something? Maybe the real…
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Oh what a view: going all the way
Since moving to the mountain, my husband and I love to hike the Arizona Trail. Each time, we’re wowed with the breathtaking views—meadows, canyons, wildflowers, tanks (ponds for wildlife) and miles of forest. And whenever we revisit a trail we’ve previously explored, we typically travel another mile or so further to experience even grander settings.…
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Maybe it’s not about us: asking the whys
If you missed my Facebook post on Aug. 19, feel free to “grab a cuppa” (my silly new phrase), and settle in. Because this is my platform to talk about a life-changing event that occurred 18 years ago on Aug. 19, 2004. If you need a refresher, or this is your first time joining me,…
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Give up the fight: winning the battle
Not too long ago, I awakened from a dream in the middle of the night. I rarely dream anymore, so I considered it noteworthy; e.g., perhaps a solution to a tricky scene I’m writing; or maybe an insight to help navigate a relationship. While I don’t recall the dream’s specifics, the underlying message lingered upon…
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When 1 bad egg ruins the bunch: slowing down
When my husband and I prepared for our latest adventure, we organized a moving sale. The half-day event took hours to arrange, but the big-ticket items—sofas, tables, chairs and daybed—sold well. However, when we learned our new cabin was fully furnished, we needed a quick way to unload a few more pieces of furniture. Enter:…
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