Simple Lesson From the Smoky Mountains

I'd like to think of this past weekend as my first real adventure. My dad and I made time in our busy lives to squeeze in a 3 day trip to hike in the Smoky Mountains. And it was like nothing I've ever experienced before. Each location was reminiscent of a fairy tale world, with huge rising and rolling mountains, babbling creeks, towering trees I could not fit my arms around. Fall was creeping into the air, pulling a rainbow of reds and yellows and light greens from the trees. And it was beautiful. Breath-taking, jaw-dropping, mind-boggling endless beauty.

A surprise view from the Laurel Falls trail.

I had the time of my life. My dad and I hiked Abrams Falls in the pouring rain, Mount Cammerer in the biting wind, and Laurel Falls and Deep Creek Loop under a clear blue sky. No picture can poperly capture how incredible it all was. Crawling up to waterfalls, trudging up mountains, running through the woods. Watching the sunlight filter through the trees. Hoping and praying we didn't make a wrong turn on the Loop. Getting advice from strangers who knew we didn't know what we were doing. My dad's disappointed but resigned expression whenever I wandered out onto rocks in the rivers. It was the most relaxing thrill to explore the mountainsides.

We think we know where we're going...

Some really cool fly fishers - "This catch made our whole trip worth it!" and this picture made my day.

Now we're back. Back to work, back to school. But it feels different. There's no more panic to beat deadlines, or worrying about spending my time "properly". There's no more stress over every single assignment. 

I feel calm.

I'm taking moments for myself again, something I have long forgotten to do. I did not stop to think about how well time is spent when you are doing what makes you happy, not what makes you responsible. A moment spent doing what makes you feel alive is a moment spent right. I can see how I've neglected to take care of myself in that way for a long time, but I see it now, and I'm trying to fix it.

I owe this small revelation to the mountains. Each hike was constantly telling me to stop and smell the roses. I had no choice but to slow down and take it all in. After all, the mountians hold so much to see and explore and appreciate in the 3 short days I was there. I learned to take it easy and capture the moment, while pushing myself to reach the top. I learned, and I am still learning. Life is too precious to not take in the view. And whenever the world seems too crowded with things to worry about, all I have to do is return to the mountains.

Best lunch spot ever. Along the road to Clingman's Dome.

One day, I will really go back.