As I am getting ready to backpack Big Sur, I like to lay everything out so I can review my inventory. The menial task calms me and lets me organize my thoughts. Sometimes you just need to go to ground. It’s important to be inaccessible and remove yourself. You just have to go to a place where there isn’t a smart phone in your ear and you can’t check your statuses. Where you are unreachable and you have a chance to be yourself unrestricted from other’s expectations. Life is put into perspective when your biggest priorities that day are thoughts like: Where is the water source? Are we going the right way?
Not only does this remove a layer of stress, but it helps you think more clearly and creatively. Let go of the tunnel vision and let go of what was bothering you. Life won’t seem so bad. Your problems won’t seem so important when you’re walking underneath redwood trees that will keep on living long after you.
This last week saw me make a difficult decision. It was the right decision, but was still difficult even though I believe it will aid my long term happiness. The past three months have seen a lot of changes in my life. My biggest mistake has been not realizing my own weakness and to let myself heal.
I have limited Backpacking experience so here are some of my sources for preparing my gear and finding a great location:
http://www.backpacker.com/destinations-stories/adventure-weekend-hike-big-sur-california/