I recently returned from a 5-day hiking trip at Yellowstone National Park. I went with a group of 13 other women hikers, and we had a blast!
For days after the trip, I was still experiencing the afterglow.
It was one of the best trips I've been on in my life, and I've had the privilege of traveling extensively.
I think the main reason that this trip was so special is the women that made up the group.
Many were moms, many were not. Many were married, others were single, in relationships, or divorced. All of us were still active in the labor force, and although we came from different parts of the country, we all love hiking and traveling and supporting other women.
We hiked, we laughed, and we had fun. We all voluntarily pitched in to help each other with our tents, everyone helped with the cooking and cleaning at the camp, although we didn't have to, and we all genuinely enjoyed each other and making new friends.
It was safe.
Another reason I loved this trip so much is that I could just BE. I could just be me and be in the moment. I didn't have to lead anybody, organize anything, corral anyone, plan anything, proof anything, or prove anything.
I didn't have to wear makeup if I didn't want to, worry about my hair, or worry about how I'd be perceived.
I was free.
A third of the many reasons why this trip was so amazing is that it involved physical activity outdoors, surrounded by one of the most stunning displays of nature's majesty, power, and beauty in our country.
Whether it's hiking, biking, paddleboarding, or running, combining challenging exercise with the outdoors is my favorite way to integrate movement into my life.
Throughout the entire trip, I could feel an ear-to-ear smile on my face.
I was happy.
These feelings...safety, freedom, and happiness are my guiding lights. I've been through so much in my life and it is only recently that I've recognized how these core and deep personal values have been my guideposts for as long as I can remember. They've gotten me through a lot and guided me like trail markers on my hikes, letting me know I'm on the right path.
These core values are also the reason why I have my own business, why I decided to become a wellness coach, and why I founded The Wellpreneur Life.
You may ask, what about love? Yes, love is one of my core values but I'm conscious of the fact that love isn't always safe, love isn't always freeing, and love doesn't always bring happiness.
Well, what about family? Again, family isn't always safe, they don't always support your freedom, and they don't always bring you happiness.
I'm not saying that's my story, just that everyone's journey is different.
Self-love, in my experience, is where it all comes together. Self-love is safe, self-love is freeing, and self-love brings happiness.
Self-love allows me to say no and goodbye to people who don't always have my best interests at heart. Self-love keeps me away from situations and people that limit me, and self-love allows me to choose a path guided and filled by happiness.
I am actively letting these three trail markers guide my life on a day-to-day basis in my work, in my relationships, and in my personal life.
By doing so, I changed my business and my life to create the space, finances, and time freedom to go on these kinds of trips several times a year and to choose the experiences and life that feels right for me.
While I'm still in the early part of this new chapter in my life, I'm already so glad and grateful that I made these changes because just like I did on that incredible trip to Yellowstone, I've never felt freer or happier in my life.
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