Adair Rader- My Own Journey

 I just wanted to share some thoughts/lessons I learned on one of my own journeys. In the summer of 2022, I journeyed on a 10 day backpacking trip in the backcountry of the Sangre De Cristos mountains in Colorado. I had never done something like this before, but it completely changed my life. 

Here are some things I can share about the experience:

1. We are all capable of SO much more than we realize. I never thought I could physically hike that much with that level of elevation. One day we summited a 14,000 ft peak. I thought I was going to die. My body was in so much pain. That being said, it was so rewarding, and not just because of the view. When you overcome physical and mental challenged like that, you learn we are capable. You never know until you test your limits!

2. You can live with so much less than you realize. Being in the backcountry for 10 days, we had to carry everything we needed on our backs: food, clothes, tents etc. Everything unnecessary falls away. You don't miss your things at home (maybe just your shower). 

3. Your phone stinks. 10 days without my phone were some of the happiest days ever. You don't need to constantly see what others are doing. You don't need constant stimulation. It's good to be bored!

4. We are not in control. On a simple level, we are not in control of the weather. There might be a hole in your tent with freezing rain pouring through.You might not be able to cross a mountain range when you wanted to because of a storm.  Nothing you do will change it. We can either panic over the things we cannot control, or we can feel a huge sense of relief that its not up to us!

5. We are so so lucky. We are all blessed with physical homes, an education, friends and so much more. 10 days of backpacking destroyed the idea created by society that we are constantly lacking something. 

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