Our family has gotten more into hiking this year. Jake and I have always enjoyed hiking, exploring trails in Allegany when we’d go camping. Now, we’re starting to bring our kiddos along for the adventures.
We’ve taken on the WNY Hiking Challenge this year, and it’s reignited in me a far-off dream that’s always nagged at the back of my mind – thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail.
And of course, as I sit and ponder on my dreams, it leads to collecting books related to that dream, so I can read and research and plan.
As I ponder my Appalachian Trail dreams, one book that I’m thoroughly enjoying right now is “2,000 Miles Together” by Ben Crawford. It’s the story of a how a family of 8, with kiddos ranging from age 2 to age 15 or 17 hiked the entire AT together.
I’m only a few chapter in, so far, but the stories of overcoming extreme obstacles as a family, dealing with internet trolls and hate, and finding themselves in the process, have been extremely inspiring.
It’s made me realize that I need to put more focus on my “fun” goals and dreams. I get so focused – as do so many mamas – on the practical goals and dreams of life, that sometimes I don’t focus on the fun as much as I should.
We need to take the time to dream up amazing adventures and work towards them. These adventures can be big or small, daring or safe. The important thing is that we dream them, and we work to achieve them.
As we deal with everyday mom life, on top of working through our mental and physical health challenges, the fun tends to get buried beneath the everyday routine and the struggle to stay away from the edge. Reading “2,000 Miles Together” has reinvigorated my will to dream of the adventures I can take with my family – and I highly suggest my mama friends read it, as well, to ignite their dream adventures.
While my own AT thru hike is still years away, and I don’t know that I’d bring my kiddos with me when it comes time to head out from Springer Mountain, this book, in just the first few chapters, has given me so many ideas and so much hope for the adventures we can take together as a family.
Do your dreams and goals include daring adventures? Any type of fun at all? Or are you focusing all your goals and dreams on more “practical” areas of life?
If your goal is to live a full, balanced, abundant life, adding everyday fun, unique interests, and amazing adventures, big or small, will guarantee a memorable and fulfilling life.
Coaching can help you rediscover fun, and even find your true passion in life . . . a major steppingstone to living abundantly.
Shoot me a message and let’s schedule some time to chat soon.
It would be my honor to work with you.
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