I have never claimed to be an adventurer or outdoors lover – until I started hiking in the mountains.

With the lovely, lush green forests and foothills, the tantalizing teal lakes hidden away like a secret prize waiting to be found, and those stunning sky-high jagged peaks, how can you not fall in love? But more than that, hiking in the mountains became an immediate passion because of the way it made me feel. I was able to just be the real me and connect with the version of myself that felt the most authentic and true.

Being surrounded by the mountains has a powerful effect on something deeper. It’s as if being amidst something greater than ourselves, changes our perspective and insight on life and the things that really matter. Somehow without trying, you can confront your demons, re-evaluate your problems or your goals or your desires – you are able to widen your perspective and reflect on ‘the big picture’.

The Mountains Have Healing Powers:

Call me crazy or cliché or whatever… but there is no denying it- Maybe it’s that dose of fresh mountain air, the exercise, or the liters of water I drink when I’m hiking, but I swear to you that after a visit to the mountains I feel enormously better. It’s as if there is an energy source in those summits that you can tap into and feed on. Getting out there literally fuels you and rebalances you; you will notably feel calmer and happier, and less irritable or anxious. There is never a time where I leave the mountains not feeling refreshed, happy and inspired – ready to take on anything that comes my way.

An Opportunity for Personal Growth:

So long as you challenge yourself- both physically and mentally- you will grow. Through pushing yourself outside of your comfort zone, you flourish. Completing something you started and seeing it through to the end, gives you a sense of fulfillment. Also, through failing, you learn to not only be kind to yourself, but you blossom into a more humble person! By interacting with nature, you develop respect for the earth and empathy for the wellbeing of the environment.

They Disconnect us, to Reconnect Us:

Spending time out in the mountains really takes things back to basics. There’s no Wi-Fi, no cell service– money doesn’t matter out in the woods or up on a mountain top. It’s just you and mother nature.

This time spent without our devices allows us to be in the moment and recognize the beauty of little things. When was the last time you have allowed yourself to let go of thoughts centered around emails and work? When did you last stop talking or thinking and really listen to the birds sing? Or appreciate the earthy aroma after the rain? We take these little moments all for granted. Spending time in the mountains has reintroduced me to the value of the little things in life.

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I left a piece of my heart in the mountains – or rather, I took a piece of it with me. And that’s a long-distance relationship I’m okay with!