Why I Hike

I’ve spent my whole life in service.

As a boy scout, I served my community. As a Marine, I served my country. In homeless services I gave my everything to those with nothing. In the kitchen, I’ve served thousands of people from my callused aching hands.

And somewhere along the way, I forgot how to serve myself.

I’ve put off comfort, joy, and even new shoes, thinking I hadn’t earned them. That others came first. That my needs could wait.

But this hike?

This is mine.

I hike to remember that I am allowed to want something for no other reason than it fills my soul.

I hike to shed the guilt that says my joy must be earned.

I hike because the quiet is a gift I don’t have to justify.

I hike because the trail doesn’t ask me to be anyone’s hero, anyone’s worker, or anyone’s provider. It only asks that I show up.

And for once, I will.