Hi Friend,
This week I went on a vacation in Colorado. I took my tent, my lighter, some peanut butter, hot dogs, and marshmallows – had a blast! I secured a campsite along the Arkansas river about 20 minutes east of Salida. It.Was.Fabulous! I didn’t have many plans, as camping is about slowing down, laying in the hammock, and gazing at the campfire. Of course, I did venture out every day to create some unique memories. Honestly, just driving around was a stunning experience at every turn. Having mountains as a constant companion wherever you look was breathtaking. It didn’t get old once. I was mesmerized the entire time I was there!
On the first day I went looking for a Rainbow trail so I could hike to the continental divide. I somehow missed the trailhead and ended up deep in the woods on a treacherous jeep road with my Sonata acting like a four-wheeler. I made it to the top, where I hopped out and proceeded to hike for a couple of hours, forging my own trail. I ended up on the upper rim of some mountain that was spectacular! The next day, I rafted the royal gorge. It was everything I love about being on the river. Our guide Shelby was awesome. My teammates were a mix of useful and not-so-much. I sat front left, which is my preferred position. We didn’t flip over, but another raft did – which is actually a rare occurrence. One of our stellar paddlers pulled in a floating kid. It was dramatic because we were in the middle of a class four rapid. I love rafting. The next day, I ventured north to Mt. Yale. It’s a 14000-foot mountain. There are several mountains at that elevation. It’s an accomplishment to get to the top. I did. It was my first time. I felt like I was running a marathon without any training.
Adventure Feeds The Human Soul!
We live in a society that frequently wishes each other safety.
We live in a society that dreams of life being easier.
We live in a society that values the predictable and stable.
I imagine it’s the evolution of society. The great American Story is chock full of adventure, which was a lot of hard work. If you’ve ever read the full story of Lewis and Clark – the ultimate American adventurers – it was tumultuous treachery continuously. Once they chose their course, there was no turning back. I can relate. On both my hikes, once I started there was no turning back till I reached the end goal. The decreasing available oxygen from 12,000-14,000 feet is a more potent deterrent than I realized it would be. Decision-making becomes more cloudy and simply filling your lungs much harder. Have you ever gotten in the middle of something and experienced feelings, thoughts, or resistance you didn’t know would exist? Did it make you question continuing on toward your goal? That’s why most give up: The Unexpected Sensation! Whether a relationship, job, hobby, or investment the unforeseen difficulty that appears mid-course can be jarring. All of a sudden the commitment to the objective is entirely reconsidered because there is a new cost associated with achieving it.
Unexpected Sensation
Surprising
Painful
Unknown Duration
When the girl got tossed out of her raft and ended up in ours, her face showed clearly she was ready to be done. She did not expect to be in the river, even though that’s always a possibility. She will think twice before rafting again.
Instigating Ideas
1. Do you have any adventures planned this summer? Please do!
2. Are you pursuing goals that could take your breath away? Please do!
3. Have you spent enough time in nature? Please do!
4. How are you dealing with your Unexpected Sensations?
I got a late start on Mt. Yale because I had a truly incredible morning around my campfire. It was a divine time that kept me present in gratitude and peace. It was after 11am by the time I got to the mountain. It’s only a five-mile climb, but it’s difficult and steep right from the beginning. However, it was absolutely gorgeous everywhere I looked. There was a river that provided a soundtrack echoing through the forest. I met several people coming down from the summit. They were encouraging and truthful. “You still have a long ways to go and it gets steeper.”
Truth & Encouragement
That’s how you and I navigate the Unexpected Sensations. We are truthful with ourselves and others. We find encouragement wherever we can. The Unexpected Sensation is never reason enough itself to quit moving towards your goal! I would love to hear if you’ve been on any amazing trips that let you reach beyond yourself and see a big goal realized? Or if you have navigation tips for the Unexpected Sensations that appear? Please Share!