Forging or following: finding your own way

A couple weeks ago, I grabbed my trekking poles and followed a trail from our neighborhood into the national forest. Normally an easy route to navigate, deep snow rendered the path undetectable. With no human tracks to follow, I drew on past experience until a few familiar landmarks confirmed my location. And I started thinking…

Read More

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,…

Read More

Shifting your story: Life happens for you, not to you

Recently I wore a favorite shirt bearing the quote: Life happens. Coffee helps. Buckle up, because I’m about to challenge the first half of that statement. For several years, I’ve relayed my family’s story atop a soapbox of one (you can read about the details here). Although previous posts always brought awareness to the topic…

Read More