What hiking has taught me

I spent most of my childhood outside and by outside I mean in my neighborhood apartment complex playing on the monkey bars (blisters for days), playing hide and seek, jump roping, the occasional flag football or whatever game my sibling and I could come up with. Growing up, this was the “thing” to do.

When I got to college, I discovered through my friends a new kind of outside. When I was introduced to this so-called life of outdoor adventures, I was confused to be honest. I didn’t understand the value of being out in nature and I didn’t quite understand why anyone would want to spend time in a tent in the middle of nowhere with no service.

But it’s like the saying goes, “don’t knock it until you try it.” So I did. I planned a camping trip for my church organization. Truth is, I had no idea what I was doing. I had never been hiking. First of all, I didn't know I had to book a campsite until one of my friends mentioned it...oops. I quickly got on the state park website and booked something.

If there was one thing I did right, it was to make sure we had plenty of food. What I didn’t know was that we would have to lug it all on a hike. Turns out I had booked a primitive campsite which at the time, I didn’t even know that primitive means.  When we got there and tried to look for the camp site, we quickly realized we would have to hike to it. 

Despite the small hiccups, I remember the impeccable feeling I got from being disconnected from the rest of the world. There was no cell service and I was surrounded by the beautiful sounds of nature.  I got to see the moon, shining bright and I couldn’t help but wonder why it had taken me so long to experience this. I got a little taste of the outdoors and quickly realized that there is so much value in disconnecting with the rest of the world and connecting with nature.

Ever since that time in college, I’ve been pulled towards nature. Hiking has taught me so many lessons and one of them is to embrace the challenges life throws your way. Everytime I hike a tall mountain, I am reminded of how small I really am. Hiking up a mountain can be really tough. It literally drains you. There are times that I consider calling it quits because I get so tired. At times I begin to question “why do I keep doing this to myself?” I choose to push myself to new heights but that means there will be times when it hurts both physically and mentally. 

So why do I keep doing it? What is bringing me back to the mountains? 

Something amazing happens when you reach the top. It's that feeling you get when you accomplish something so difficult. Life is not easy. The challenges come and go. Some are easier to overcome than others. However, I keep pushing myself everyday to take on the challenges because it's in these challenges that I'm reminded of how strong I am. 

Today and everyday, I'm thankful for the challenges because they are constantly shaping who I am. The challenges in life are what make me a wiser and stronger woman and I'm learning to embrace them. 

Not only has hiking taught me to embrace the challenges, but hiking is one way that helps me cope with stress and anxiety. Life can get really busy at times and one of my favorite things about hiking is having that time to destress, meditate and reflect. I feel at peace every time that I am outdoors engulfed in nature. 

I’m thankful for Ranger Ready Insect Repellent because it allows me to safely hike in nature. Safety is really important for me when I’m hiking and alot of times I’m hiking in areas where there are alot of mosquitos, ticks and other insects. There is nothing worse than getting stung by bugs while hiking. Not only is it annoying but, it leaves you vulnerable to catching a vector borne disease. I love Ranger Ready Insect Repellent because it doesn't affect my skin and smells good. Thank you to Ranger Ready for sponsoring this blog post. 

Use this link http://rangerready.com to purchase your Ranger Ready today. Use Code BHQ10 for 10% off your order.

Now more than ever, I am passionate about the outdoors. I love to hike. I love overcoming the  challenges that come with hiking. There is something about nature that can’t be explained because it has to be experienced. I love to be surrounded by nature and it is my hope that everyone gets to experience this passion and love of mine even if it’s just for a little bit.