I love to hike oh my goodness!!! Here are some of the things I've picked up on over the years. Make sure to have the ten essentials with you just in case: https://lnt.org/how-to-reduce-stops-by-packing-the-10-essentials-on-your-next-trip/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwgdayBhBQEiwAXhMxtvc_PH022Pf-8IH7_iIZQJpa2wa0oh-Q5l2hKl3JDMonJFIBGsYyBxoCGmcQAvD_BwE Keep in mind the seven principles of leave no trace: https://lnt.org/why/7-principles/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwgdayBhBQEiwAXhMxtsOQFooVacpvrIqvOPuuefnwZoPCSEmZvByod1UO7Z17K_Rc9shaPhoC6NkQAvD_BwE and have fun!!!!!! a wise hiker once told me that to be prepared is to live the experience in advance, I think the biggest thing is planning your route and keep in mind that you're there because you want to be so have fun and snap a fun pic and soak up the sun bb
If I got nothing going on and it's nice out in the summer or early/mid fall, there's a pretty good chance I'm going on a hike. It feels good to get tf away from a lot of the noise and bs, and to instead touch grass, take in nature, and be present with your surroundings as well as yourself. I love solo hikes but I also enjoy going with a close friend or two for some company.
And ofc I enjoy the exercise and challenge/accomplishment! It's pretty sick when you're doing a loop trail and you look back mid-hike to be like "damn I did all that!" The endorphins are flowing, I feel good, and nothing hits like a nice meal and a beer after a hike.
I'm also biased having lived close to the White Mountains my whole life lol
I think the biggest thing my therapist helped me realize is that moments that are tough or seasons of your life that seem impossible will not last forever. It is not about sitting in the struggle but understanding how to effectively work through it.
accept the love that is presented to you and do not run away from it, each opportunity to hang is a bid for connection, take them in stride and with open arms