Reaching Further

After spending an entire afternoon hiking through dense Alaskan rainforest, scrambling up loose scree, piecing together sections of goat trails that traverse the ridge line, and obtaining an incredible summit that had me in disbelief of its grandeur, my very next feeling was that of disappointment. The desire to be standing atop the peak that only came into view as I reached the pinnacle on which I currently stood was incredibly overwhelming. So much so, I had to forcibly turn my back to it while I sat and enjoyed my meal of fig bars and trail mix. I caught myself more than once turning to look over my shoulder at the even rockier and more prominent mountain that stood there taunting me. How much time do I have? What time would I be getting back to my car? Would it still be light then? How should I traverse over there? Does that scree look climbable? I'll bet you can see Chilkoot Lake from there! STOP! I had annoyed myself in being overly obsessed with something other than where I currently was. There was absolutely nothing wrong with the day's goal I just achieved. While refueling before my descent back to the trailhead, I was blessed with views that would have any of my past hiking partners writhing in disbelief and jealousy. Let this peak be the purpose of today. It was not until I had reached my current summit that I knew the next one over even existed. Let the experience of today not be one of regret and disappointment, but rather the inspiration for tomorrow's greatness.

Much of my season guiding rafts and kayaks throughout Southeast Alaska has been spent looking towards the next phase of my life. Montana seems more like a home to me every day - a home that I am incredibly excited to go back to and hopefully grow into something bigger than I have ever had. With my life taking on a theme of adventuring and exploring all of the opportunities that I am so fortunate to have, I should not be as surprise that any next step I decide to take is an exciting one. But when does the point come when I am too distracted by the future to where I forget to enjoy the present? Where is that balance? Why do plans for what is down the road sometimes outweigh the importance of living in the moment and being content with the now? Throughout my time as a business college student, it was imprinted into our minds that having a plan was the only way to go through life. Without a plan there was no possibility of achieving success nor experiencing any reward for hard work. Living in Alaska and being a member of a community passionate for wild spaces and adventure has taught me that the exact opposite is true. With plans come expectations - expectations that are rarely realized and are often met with disappointment. Rid yourself of disappointment. Rid yourself of expectations. Scrap the plans. Find what excites you and pursue it. Ingrained in all of us is a passion that there is no excuse for not listening to and following with all of your energy. We need to no longer be a culture of wishing we were living other people's lives, following their every movement with jealousy and regret. Rather, seek sources of inspiration. No one can achieve the greatness that is your own life but yourself. Funny how getting outside helps you understand that clearly.