A Different Perspective

Simply stated, I felt like a fish out of water. For the first time since Covid began, I traveled farther than 30 minutes from my home. It was a personal and somewhat professional research trip to Chicago, Illinois. My personal rule is if a destination is within a 10 hour traveling distance from home, I drive. Above 10 hours, I fly. Before Covid, it was not unusual for me to drive to places such as Atlanta, Georgia; Dallas, Texas; or Louisville, Kentucky. Chicago is approximately 6-7 hours from home, so I drove. During the restrictive phase of Covid, I never journeyed more than 30 minutes from home which was only reserved to get to some of my favorite hiking trails. Now, I found myself on a long journey to a city, far from the trails that I’m accustomed to, surrounded by traffic instead of nature, surrounded by people instead of trees. It felt weird…..odd…..and liberating.

The first morning in Chicago, I met with a friend, whom I’ve only ever ‘met’ on zoom. She and I are involved with the same organization as area directors and trainers and It was my first in-person meeting in over 1 1/2 years. Have you ever met someone for the first time and it felt like you’ve known each other for years? That’s how it felt when I met Amy. Like old friends getting together and catching up on each other’s lives. We only had a brief period of time to meet, but we made the most of it and it was the best time spent. While I’m grateful for zoom and the ability to meet anyone, anytime, from anywhere, spending time with Amy made me realize how much I miss those in-person meet and greets.

Afterwards, I drove to my next meeting and on the way, I observed people jogging on the sidewalks. Silently, I applauded them for taking the time to work on their health. I also admired them for their bravery. I’m not sure I would be comfortable walking or jogging by myself in this crowded environment. “How ironic”, I say under my breath. You can put me on a trail at dark, without a flashlight, without anyone else and I would thrive. Put me on a city sidewalk, in broad daylight, in a crowded environment and I would probably be nervous for a minute or two. It’s that ole “fish out of water” scenario. Simply, it’s not my natural environment. There are reasons to be cautious in either environment, but when it’s not what you are accustomed to, you experience a heightened sense of awareness of your surroundings. You become a little more vigilant. “I wonder how brave these joggers would be should they find themselves on some of the trails I explore?”, I contemplate as I drive.

Yes, I felt like a fish out of water. Sounds of honking horns replaced the peaceful calls of the whipperwills I enjoy. Rushing traffic replaced the sounds of the wind gliding through leaves. Tall buildings replaced majestic trees. Concrete replaced the earth beneath my feet. Stale air replaced refreshing breaths of a clear crisp morning. City lights replaced the myriad of stars in the night sky. Lively conversations replaced chattering squirrels and the songs of happy birds. It’s not the same environment I adore, yet it was liberating to experience.

I’m definitely out of my comfort zone in a city, but it’s outside of that comfort zone where we grow. When we challenge ourselves to stretch beyond what we are familiar we realize we are capable of far more than we give ourselves credit. Sunday morning, I’m contemplating this perspective, while standing in a river. Back in my natural environment, surrounded by all things glorious of nature. The fish has returned to her water. But I didn’t return the same. No, I’m different, because I’ve grown. For the past 18 months, I have only known nature and the trails I explore. Now, I have journeyed out of this comfort zone and realize I’m ready to travel again. Ready to explore different environments and discover new aspects. Ready to grow and expand. Ready to experience life from different perspectives.

After all, nature will be here to greet me when I return. Welcoming me back with open arms. Welcoming me home. Until I venture out again, I’ll enjoy the trails with fresh appreciation. Nature is my home and trails are my calling, but it’s also good to venture beyond.

And that, my friend, is liberating….

With love from the trail,

kk