Inspiration crept in...Yes, I could feel it. In a second I decided the plans for my now half-day before me. In another thirty minutes I was ready. Out of the house and on the road. I know that it is damaging to the environment, but I do love driving my car! The freedom of the open road and the pleasure of listening to my favorite Podcast. The familiar road passed beneath me as my mind filled with new ideas and stories. Then...the canyon. I know this canyon very well. Every turn and corresponding jog in the river are as familiar as the lines in the letters of my name. So, I know exactly where I am going...
One of my favorite trail heads. Yes, it is extremely popular, but no less beautiful. I roll into a packed parking lot that almost makes me turn away, but then I find a parking spot and soon find myself well on my way up the trail. Now, I am a native Coloradoan who hikes as much as possible. Every path I take, one thing remains the same:
Hikers are incredibly friendly and often talkative.I love this fact. Today, it was the three generations of a family from southern Texas. The four of us chatted on the easy part of the trail, but mom and grandma took their leave on the more difficult part. So, what began as a friendly chat turned into hiking with a new friend. A young man from Texas, living in Louisiana, and looking for a job. As we climbed upward, we chatted about college majors and the reality of not using them. We swapped success/failure stories of navigating the job market. It was great to have a companion on the trail. Soon, however, my Colorado lungs beat out his recent concussion and we parted ways. The rest of the trail afforded both beauty and friendly faces. My "breaks" on the hike were spent chatting with whomever came along.
I love that the social walls come down when we are all in nature. I think that the playing field gets leveled when we are all out on the trail. When we are experiencing the beauty of the natural world. It is refreshing to be able to interact and build each other up.
I often underestimate the value and impact of true human interaction. Really connecting with people is amazing and always uplifting. My evening was spent having the place to myself. It is nice when this happens, but...tonight just didn't feel right. After a unique day of connection, an evening of solitude was rather lonely. Usually I like to have this time to reflect and find some peace. Yet, tonight one strong nagging thought hangs over me: am I missing something? I mean, is there some big event that is keeping everyone else occupied? That seems to come with feeling a little lonely. There is just that little desire to have someone around to talk with--interact with. Oh, well.
There is tea. There is good music. There is inspiration.
There is a cozy bed.
