Tom here...
Everyone asks the same question after you tell them what thru-hiking means. "Why would you want to do that?" Very few people say, "Wow! That sounds interesting. I would sure like to do that!"
So, why do I want to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail? (In no particular order. This list will evolve over time.)
▪ I want to experience the challenge of being stretched, physically and mentally.
▪ I want to discover where my inner limits actually are.
▪ Taking life to a place of experiencing the most basic elements and needs.
▪ Experiencing the thrill of "firsts" each and every day! (How many times are there in the average week that you get to say, "Hey, I have never done that before?")
▪ I am hoping that each (day/week) on the trail will in some measure help me to peel away the layers (like an onion) and hopefully by the end, I will find myself closer to the core of me than before I started.
▪ I need to be reminded once again; what, and how much I need to be thankful for in my life.
▪ I want to experience standing on Springer Mountain, knowing... I am standing on the threshold of a dream. (Dreamer 2013 GA - ME)
▪ I want to experience my life one moment at a time; unaware and separate from life as I currently know it that is complicated, always demanding and stressful. (Said another way... The opportunity of hiking for five months, away from the 24 hour news, issues at CEMA, etc. I am hoping that mentally / emotionally I will be able to really, as I have envisioned in my mind, experience my life in its purest sense.)
▪ If I do not try, I will never know.
▪ I want to be as prepared as I can possibly be, but not so much that my mind is drawn to distraction (things & stuff) and the total experience is pre-planned. May all the hours of preparation lead to a safe hike filled with satisfying all my needs, but not all of my desires.
▪ May my journey be the fertile seed that may grow in others to better prepare them for their attempt.
▪ I want to inspire my children and eventual grand children. Not so that they are proud of me, but that one day in the future they may be faced with a daunting challenge... And remember what Dad was doing when he turned 60 years old.
▪ Hiking always draws me closer to God. I would like for God to use this time to speak to me. My goal is to be open to not just hearing, but listening.
Everyone asks the same question after you tell them what thru-hiking means. "Why would you want to do that?" Very few people say, "Wow! That sounds interesting. I would sure like to do that!"
So, why do I want to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail? (In no particular order. This list will evolve over time.)
▪ I want to experience the challenge of being stretched, physically and mentally.
▪ I want to discover where my inner limits actually are.
▪ Taking life to a place of experiencing the most basic elements and needs.
▪ Experiencing the thrill of "firsts" each and every day! (How many times are there in the average week that you get to say, "Hey, I have never done that before?")
▪ I am hoping that each (day/week) on the trail will in some measure help me to peel away the layers (like an onion) and hopefully by the end, I will find myself closer to the core of me than before I started.
▪ I need to be reminded once again; what, and how much I need to be thankful for in my life.
▪ I want to experience standing on Springer Mountain, knowing... I am standing on the threshold of a dream. (Dreamer 2013 GA - ME)
▪ I want to experience my life one moment at a time; unaware and separate from life as I currently know it that is complicated, always demanding and stressful. (Said another way... The opportunity of hiking for five months, away from the 24 hour news, issues at CEMA, etc. I am hoping that mentally / emotionally I will be able to really, as I have envisioned in my mind, experience my life in its purest sense.)
▪ If I do not try, I will never know.
▪ I want to be as prepared as I can possibly be, but not so much that my mind is drawn to distraction (things & stuff) and the total experience is pre-planned. May all the hours of preparation lead to a safe hike filled with satisfying all my needs, but not all of my desires.
▪ May my journey be the fertile seed that may grow in others to better prepare them for their attempt.
▪ I want to inspire my children and eventual grand children. Not so that they are proud of me, but that one day in the future they may be faced with a daunting challenge... And remember what Dad was doing when he turned 60 years old.
▪ Hiking always draws me closer to God. I would like for God to use this time to speak to me. My goal is to be open to not just hearing, but listening.
~Tom (Dreamer)
Dreamer...love the "I want to inspire my children and eventual grandchildren..." This is something we share in common & I agree, it's not so they will be proud of me, but that by our example they too will find the courage to face their challenges in life & realize that whatever problem, with God's help and their determination, can be overcome.
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