Looking Back

As the year 2018 drew it's final breath, I found myself looking back to all the remarkable experiences that I had the pleasure (and misfortune) of living through. I suspect it's what we all do as another New Year approaches - we look back at the year that's passed us by, wondering how it went so quickly.

I started this blog in 2017 as a way to help raise donations for my Summit for Someone climb of the Grand Teton but decided to keep writing because I enjoyed the process of sharing my experiences and thoughts with those of you who take the time to read them. My intention was to write about my trips and journeys and to share my stories with you. But as 2018 unfolded I began to think of adventure as so much more than lacing up a pair of hiking boots and walking off into the woods.

It's falling down on a trail run and learning to navigate the consequences through the months that follow.

It's deciding to try something that feels near impossible and discovering that with enough determination and stubbornness you can accomplish it.

It's the experience of preparing for, worrying about, and anticipating a new challenge that breaks you out of your mold.

It's learning how deep the well of love goes and how much you're willing to fight for what you care about.

And it's embracing opportunities to walk into uncertainty to see who you might be when you come out on the other side.

The year behind me was full of adventures. Some had me in tears, others brought me joy and laughter, but all of them gave me courage. Courage to face what comes next, and curiosity to see what adventures 2019 may offer.