My response... "Yes. Well, kinda...No." This is the number one, most asked question by those aware of my decision to hike the AT. With my response, it usually evokes a gasp or a surprised look- which can be discouraging at times. I must continuously remind myself that their reactions reflect their fears and concerns, and I can choose to take them on as my own. I try my best to walk them through my reasoning--while justifying my decision, and still, they typically do not warm up to the idea. That's okay. I try not to think that their doubts are because I am a woman and the horror stories one can come up with being a woman alone in the woods...but I know that's not too far off. The bottom line that is difficult to comprehend, is that I will never be...alone. Literally speaking, no one I know is starting at Springer Mountain with me on April 1st, but I will be joined with hundreds of other like minded individual hikers starting their own personal journeys that day and hopefully for the next 5-6 months. Trail families are made and broken and made again. Figuratively speaking, I will not be alone, I will be part of a hiker community-a bond, a safeguard, a confidence, and an unspoken understanding.
I want to be uncensored.
I want to only worry about myself and my material and emotional needs.
I want to go at my own pace.
I want to be with myself.
I want to have my own story and my own accomplishment.
I want to meet new people.
I want to listen to only my body.
I want to be quiet.
I want to be on my own time.
I don't want to compromise.
I don't want to share.
I don't want to compete.
I don't want to upset anyone.
This only scratches the surface. Yes, some of this may sound selfish and inconsiderate, but this is the first time in my life where I am allowing myself to be free!
I want to be uncensored.
I want to only worry about myself and my material and emotional needs.
I want to go at my own pace.
I want to be with myself.
I want to have my own story and my own accomplishment.
I want to meet new people.
I want to listen to only my body.
I want to be quiet.
I want to be on my own time.
I don't want to compromise.
I don't want to share.
I don't want to compete.
I don't want to upset anyone.
This only scratches the surface. Yes, some of this may sound selfish and inconsiderate, but this is the first time in my life where I am allowing myself to be free!