A Meaningful View: How Hiking 2 14ers Change Me

I am the farthest thing from a "morning person" you could ever be.  I love sleeping in and although I think my 4 year old is adorable, the fact that she is such a morning person kinda drives me nuts (and makes me feel a wee bit jealous as well).  So, waking up at 2 a.m. on Saturday was nothing short of a big deal for me...in fact it was almost a deal breaker.  But when the opportunity to hike 2 14ers (mountains over 14,000 feet) in one day with 12 amazing women came my way, I decided to sacrifice my Saturday sleep in and go for it. 

The minute I stepped out of the vehicle at the trail head at 5:15 am that day, I instantly felt, with all my being, how worth the early morning wake up was.  All these people in a little parking lot gearing up for a long journey up a mountain created such an energy and amazing vibe all around.  There was an unspoken comradery among all of us and an excitement for what was to come. 

Then the hike began and the comradery continued...between my group of 12 and with the hundreds of other hikers that day.  Everyone cheered each other on, gave small words of encouragement, and offered to take group photos.  I was expecting the experience to give me a sense of victory, but what I wasn't expecting was to feel a part of something so amazing that words can not describe it.  To experience such a great feat with 12 women friends and hundreds of strangers some how made me feel closer to the universe and everything in it.  I feel love and compassion and appreciation more deeply in my soul for everyone on the planet.  I feel like smiling more at strangers, offering more patience to my kids, and living my life more mindfully. 

The view at 14,000 feet on a mountain top did something to my mind, body, and soul.  It forever changed me in a way I never expected.  It was hard, I fell, I swore...but I also laughed my ass off, felt at peace, and came away with some wonderful memories.  Will I do it again...right now as I sit with an aching body I might say, no...but I am sure I will!

**For those of you interested we hiked Grays and Torreys Peaks...there are 54 14ers in Colorado and many people make it their quest to hike them all...I am 2 down!

A Meaningful View: How Hiking 2 14ers Change Me