Putting One Foot In Front Of The Other.

In 1997 - at 4:30 a.m. - I was sitting in my bedroom in Brooklyn staring at the walls. I felt trapped. I was a country girl and this country girl needed to get out of dodge, break loose of the concrete jungle and hit the road. By 5 a.m., I loaded my two hounds into my car, headed over the Brooklyn Bridge, through Manhattan and the Holland Tunnel, and 3 hours later landed in the hills of Pennsylvania. Leashes in hand, I hit the trails of a mountain near the NY/PA boarder. And breathed. I felt alive, at peace and revived. All of these years later, I still remember the divine piece of apple pie I enjoyed at a small town diner after my long day.

That is what the great outdoors does for me. In particular, I love being out in the woods, with all that I need on my back. Perhaps that's the introvert in me. Anyway, I was recently back at it again and while hiking may not be your passion, I encourage you to find one of your own and start to develop it. Perhaps it is painting, cycling, traveling to exotic places, cooking, bird watching, antiquing, yoga, fishing or skydiving. Maybe you have several. I met a woman waiting for the Hampton Jitney the other day who liked to race cars and play softball. Whatever it is, have fun and live a life. And if you haven't a passion or purpose, take some time out of your day to think about what you like - and find something that is healthy and contributes to your wellness. After all, having a passion for fine wine is one thing, drinking a bottle or two a day is quite another. Don't spend your life watching someone else's life - find and live your own.

Visit my Tips and Trades - there is a link to my hike of the Grafton Loop Trail in Maine and my YouTube page. Or hit the XL Button on the photo below.