2010

2010 was a very difficult year in my life.
I lived far away from family and friends, my ex-husband and I made really poor life choices, my marriage crumbled, I watched my dog get killed, I got disfellowshipped from my church, my (ex)husband asked for a divorce, my parents kinda kicked me out of their house, my brothers left for two years, I didn't get to see my cousin/best friend get married. It was hard. I remember laying on my parent's kitchen floor crying on Christmas because I felt so alone. (It was actually kind of ridiculous)

But one of the best things I have done for myself happened in 2010: 
I bought my hiking boots.

Hiking is obviously one of my favorite pastimes, my friend Peter calls it "marching," (I love that!) and it's also been referred to as "trudging." Today I went hiking, it happened to be a beautiful, November day, the temps were in the high fifties, mid sixties. On my way up the trail, I heard a guy, probably close to my age, shout "What now, bitches?!" from atop the mountain. That is how I feel when I conquer a mountain, I just laughed and smiled, because I can certainly relate to those sentiments. While hiking, I love looking around me and just take in the beauty of the Earth, I feel closer to the Lord, I have a clear mind, vitamin D, exercise, can you say endorphins?! This is my favorite time to think about my life, make future plans or formulate ideas, think about what is currently going on, sort issues out, blow off some steam. Hiking is incredibly healthy, not just for physical reasons, but mental reasons as well. It has helped me in so many ways, sure, my legs are looking good, but I am also learning who I am, my strengths, my weaknesses, my capabilities, it helps me push myself and challenge myself and test my endurance. I am enjoying my solitude, it taught me I am okay to do things on my own, and proves to myself that I can go do the things I want to and love to do without anyone's approval.
I won't forget about the experiences of 2010, but I have forgiven myself for the occurrences that took place, and better yet, I learned a lot from those trials and mistakes. And like a good hike, I am still climbing to a better, more impressive place.
So guess what, if I can conquer a mountain; I can conquer my trials, my temptations, and my vices.
Here is to a better life!