What Makes You Come Alive
A few years ago, my wife and I visited Olympic National Park in Washington. In our first morning there, we toured the ocean views and completed the most challenging hike we’d ever done, climbing over 2,000 feet in elevation to reach the top of Mt. Storm King. It’s one of those hikes that as soon as you think you’re done with the hills, you turn a switchback to see yet another hill. But we made it to the peak, arriving at a beautiful view of Lake Crescent and lush green trees in every direction.
One of my clearest memories from the day was leaving a hike and pulling out my phone, only to see SOS instead of the typical bars we all see when we have service. Instead of frustration, I remember feeling a huge sense of relief. There was something so special about knowing we were so far from major cities we couldn’t even call someone, and we got to rely on old-school park maps to guide us around. It was relieving to feel so unattached to the modern world, and what I’ve discovered about myself the last few years is that when I’m in nature, it’s like nothing else matters. Some of the greatest joys I’ve experienced have come from long sweaty hikes and sleeping in a tent in remote places. It makes me feel alive.
For others, that might sound like a nightmare. They would rather stay in and read a book with their dog or make a homemade pizza. That’s not the point. I’ve realized that whatever makes you YOU, try to do it more often. We all naturally do things we like to unwind, whether that’s books, movies, hikes, or a nice glass of wine. But I’m not sure everyone takes inventory of the experiences that make them come most alive, and I think it’s important to reflect on your greatest joys. Make it a habit to do those things as much as you can.
For me, it’s things like being outside, and while of course I can’t go to Washington every day, I can do as much as I can to feel alive where I’m at. So can you. There’s not a 5 step plan or a proven process to come alive, but if you take the moment to find what you love the most, the closer you get to doing it. Do what makes you come alive.
