A Hike to Remember...

March 27th, 2020

It’s been a while! I’ve been a bit busy with school, motherhood, running a business, etc. Life has been full of experiences, ups, downs, blessings, and unexpected curve balls, but I have so much to be thankful for. I have a recent experience I wanted to share. It may not be what you’re expecting but I think with everything that’s going on in the world, it’s a great time for everyone to try something new or overcome a fear that you have.

On a recent and rather routine hike, I had an unexpected flush of fear come over me. I was hiking at Runyon Canyon this past Sunday. A hike I’ve done probably 50 times at least. I must also mention that I have not been hiking much lately because I’ve been quite tired and haven’t had much energy. My doctor says I’m anemic and I’ve been making an effort to add more iron to my diet.

Runyon was expected to be crowded with it being one of the few things the people of LA can still do with this epidemic going on. As usual, I had my over the ear Beats headphones on that scream ‘leave me the hell alone’ lol. Normally I climb the steep East Ridge Trail up the mountain and down the paved trail and this time was no different. This is how I get the most out of this hike because my heart gets a really good workout in the beginning and I can jogged down the mountain if I’m up for it.

So I came to the steepest section that has become so smooth and hazardous with all the traffic and I started slipping with almost every step. With my heart rate already elevated from climbing and my legs becoming shaky, I had to stop and fear (of heights, falling and injury) literally took over my entire body and I could not move for at least 5 minutes as people continue to climb around me. I have never experienced this much fear while hiking but I seriously thought if I moved another inch, I would roll down this mountain and seriously injure myself. I looked down at my legs which were shaking and I realized the shoes I had on would not get me up this hill at least not without sliding and falling to my knees.

After 5 minutes or so of deep breaths and pep talk (in my head), I was able to sit down and face the amazing view of Beverly Hills. I sat there enjoying the view and thinking about what to do next. Either I could give up and try going back down the hill which I would run the same risk of falling but on my ass lol. Or I could keep going up anyway. I looked around at others having trouble and slipping as well. I saw some strong men coming past and I thought, maybe if I ask one of them, they’ll help me. But then, being my normal independent self, I couldn’t bring myself to ask anyone. So I sat there for at least about 30 minutes calming down, regaining stability and thinking about my next move.

Then I thought to myself, I’m going to make it up this mountain somehow. What about taking my shoes off and going barefoot, taking it back to what God gave me? I thought about the fact that our feet actually have striations and other characteristics that allow us to walk the earth just fine without man made shoes. I also thought, wow, there are so many people here. They’ll look at me like wtf is she doing barefoot, lol. But hey, why gaf what these people think?

I took my shoes off and tied them up, took a couple deep breaths again, got up and kept climbing…..shoeless. With every step, I gained back the confidence in myself I seemed to have lost somehow 30 minutes ago. I didn’t slip even once and I realized I have everything I need within myself to get through any situation I’m presented with. Through the stares, I just smiled anyway because it felt good not to give up. So I made it to the top where everyone is taking pictures and enjoying the view. And just like any other goal or desire, once I have decided to go for it, consider it done!

Lately, I’ve been feeling like life just ain’t really what it used to be. I can’t be the only person to feel this way. Anyone else just feel like there’s this dark cloud hanging? Well I’ve committed to doing more of what makes me feel alive and vibrant. Hiking is one of those things.

Do more of what you love people! It’s one of the best things we can do right now! Ain’t no Coronavirus stopping me either.

Thank you for reading…

Signed,

Shygirl