On January 1, 2019, I went hiking. My first hike of the year (obviously). That weird “in between” time between Christmas and New Year’s had gotten to me, so I was going just a little bit stir crazy. And hiking was the reprieve. It wasn’t an incredibly long or arduous hike…but it was a chance for my brain slow down and prepare for the year ahead (and what a year it was).

Throughout the year, hiking has continued to serve as a reprieve. Anytime that life has felt to overwhelming, hiking has been a way to reset. No matter how complicated “everything” seemed, I knew that the woods would be there and they would be safe.

Sometimes they were bright and sunny. Sometimes they were dark. Some hikes were hot and muggy…others were rainy or snowy…and many times they were foggy. But one thing was certain – I would always come off a trail with a better sense of direction and greater confidence in whatever came next.

Sometimes the hikes were easy, a gentle mosey through the woods. And sometimes they were hard. In New Hampshire, I got my butt handed to me with some serious elevation gain. In Vermont, I plowed my way through fresh snow. And in Maryland I almost got eaten alive by mosquitoes the size of cows. But each trail, filled with its own, unique set of challenges, left me with a unique sense of accomplishment.

Sometimes I made it through an entire trail without seeing another soul. One time everyone I saw commented on the coffee I made on rocks and stumps alongside the trail. A few times people commented on the size of my pack. And very occasionally, I intentionally hiked with other people. Oh – and one time I discussed my philosophy of education with a couple of elementary school principals! Going along or meeting people along the way…I certainly have a preference, but I’ve seen the advantage to both approaches (I’m looking at you, Mount Mansfield). There are moments when community can push you along on a journey.

Sometimes there were creatures. Maybe a dog came along…but it’s more likely that I just found them along the way. Lots of caterpillars and slugs and snails. Occasionally a snake or frog or salamander. And then there were those wild baby hogs (if I didn’t tell you that story…it’s better “in person”). They always instilled with me a sense of wonder – their movement, their adaptation, the way they’re just doing life in this place of pure beauty!

On January 1, I didn’t really have a “hiking plan.” I wanted to cover 300 miles (50 more than last year), but there wasn’t a specific method to that madness. Just go.

So I went 352 miles in 12 different states (full disclosure – my last hike was chosen solely to even up some of those numbers).

The woods never failed to be my safe space…a place that gave me clarity…that reminded me what I value and why…that made me slow down and appreciate beauty.

The new year is sure to be more of the same.