Life is about the journey. In that journey, there will always be transitions. I have learned that navigating the changes in life and not letting them define who you are is one of the biggest challenges. It can be beautiful, but also heartbreaking. One of the most important hobbies that has helped me in my life’s transitions has been traveling to National Parks and places to hike, get close to nature, see beautiful waterfalls as well as fit in an amazing workout.

This year has brought many life altering transitions to my life; the loss of my 25 year marriage and the transition of retirement being the two heaviest. This blog is focused on the healing journey that I took while grieving. I’ll share with you some of the beautiful highlights of these trips as well as some of the tools that are helping me as I heal from the guilt, grief and trauma of my loss.

september 25, 2023

Park City, Utah

A friend and I set off on a hiking adventure to Park City Utah. Before our trip we both knew that we needed solitude, laughter and adventure, so we decided to use the hikes as quiet time to take in as much Mother Nature as we could. After we got comfortable in our hotel we pulled up Alltrails to locate the most popular hikes in the area. We also planned ahead of time a horseback riding guided tour in the mountains which was special.

The colors were beginning to change and the Aspen trees holding their bright yellow leaves made each turn completely breathtaking. I admit that this trip I spent most of it in tears. It was roughly one month into my separation as well as 5 months into my retirement. The biggest take-a-way on this trip for me was the realization that I didn’t have to be “doing something” to be valuable and existing was enough. I had spent 28 years of my life running a business and raising a family, so stopping didn’t happen much. After retiring I hit a brick wall, so feeling valued was part of my grieving process.

Day 1 - We hit the trails behind the hotel which little did we know was a small ski resort. We followed the trails through the woods which took us on several inclines. Not knowing or caring where the adventure took us, we later learned it was 20,000 steps that day. We finished the evening with pizza in our hotel and an early night.

Day 2 - Bloods Lake Trail - I came across an Aspen tree with a scar on it’s trunk and stopped to reflect on how similar we are to trees. We have scars, yet we cover them due to shame or because we think they are ugly. Rather, we should appreciate them because they do tell a beautiful story about our journey. This was a great trail and the road to the trailhead allowed us to take in breathtaking views of the Utah mountains.

Day 3 - Horseback riding through the Aspens in the mountains was a spritual journey. We learned that the private property was actually a native indian reserve.

Day 4 - This last day gave us a chance to hike to a lake in the middle of the mountains. We stopped to journal at the lake and eat our picnic lunch. There are times when I can’t sleep and I picture this lake as a reminder of the peace that I felt when I visited.

October 15, 2023

Franconia, White Mountain National Forest

My daughter and I decided to take off on a Friday afternoon from New York City where she lives. We drove 5 hours to White Mountain National Forest and stayed in an old but cute motel. Each day we started with breakfast and a hike. Going on this trip while the leaves were changing made it even sweeter. While on these hikes, we focused on going slow to take in the different gifts Mother Nature gives to us.

Day 1 - We drove through some of the cute towns around the national park and discovered beautiful water ways and took time to appreciate the colors of Fall. Atrists Bluff was the first hike of the trip. This 1.6 mile loop is no joke. There were several tough inclines along the way and due to the time of the year, it was over crowded. When we reached the top, it was clearly obvious why they call it Artists Bluff. You overlook the entire national park, the colors of the trees on the mountains, and lakes for miles.

After the hike we spent some time in The Maia Papaya coffee shop to journal. It’s important to us to take time to write about our experiences and be grateful for what we have shared. We always choose local small businesses on our trips.

Day 2 - Bella and I spent some time in the town. We love to check out the local shops and eateries that make the town special. We bounced in and out of thrift shops, gift shops and landed at a small family owned winery where we had a few glasses of wine, got a parking ticket and decided we needed to go to bed. A night in with pizza and a movie was a great girls night.

Day 3 - More hiking in White Mountain National Forest. This day was spent finding as many varieties of mushrooms as we could. Make sure you download the app “SEEK” and it allows you to collect names of different plants.

The biggest take-a-way on this trip was that our lives are seasons. Like the trees, we lose our leaves when we winter. Although we can feel sad, grief, ugly. stressed, we are doing our most work when we don’t have our leaves. Just like spring, we will recover and feel alive again. Take time to pause and do the work so that when change comes and you are able to give your beauty to someone else, you’re ready.

CONNESTEE TRAIL, NORTH CAROLINA

Of the many things that nature gives us, finding treasures on the trail is one of them. This was a dead tree and the roots made a heart.

January 10, 2024

Brevard, NC

A friend of mine recently retired and wanted to go on a transformation hiking trip to Brevard, NC. We left from Louisiana on a Sunday and drove 10 hours to her friends mountain home in Brevard. This weeklong itinerary took us from over thinking and over stressed to completely relaxed. We cooked ahead of time and brought our own food to maintain our healthy meal plans and to save some money.

Day 1 - Amakola Cave, Carson Creek and Middle Falls

This hike was 1.7miles in length and only 456 elevation gain. The beautiful waterfall at the entrance of the trailhead was stunning and allows for a few great picture spots. This hike is located on private property and you will need gate access into the subdivision to visit. This hike was most memorable for the small creeks and falls along the way. We stopped at each one, took in a deep breath and enjoyed the sounds of the water.

Day 2 - Today was a super rainy day and the roads were icy so we stayed in and relaxed by the fire

Day 3 - Looking Glass Rock Trail

After stopping to see Looking Glass Waterfall which was magnificent, we drove to the trailhead for the 6 mile hike. It was very challenging due to the rain from the day before. The elevation gain was 1,683 and in several places it was a stairclimber. When we reached the summit, a giant panorama of the Blue Ridge Parkway was breathtaking. We stopped along the way to take in the small waterfalls. This is most definitely a must-do hike! As I continue on my healing journey, I couldn’t help but stop to feel the gratitude and the grace that I’ve given myself.

Day 4 - Pisgah National Forest

We started off the morning traveling a road less traveled. Imagine my cute little Lexus sports car struggling through a rocky windy road uphill for 20 miles, but we made it and 4 amazing water falls were found. What I learned on this particular hike was how similar our lives are to waterfalls. The chaos in our lives resemble the rushing white running water and in some parts of the same waterfall you’ll see pools of still water. Those still pools resemble the calm in our lives. Like our lives, waterfalls are beautiful. Just don’t sit in the chaos for too long!

After lunch we fell upon Moore Cave Falls. This was the most spectacular waterfall and we got to walk behind it. So beautiful!

What an amazing and healing trip!