06/05/2025
I FOUND IN MY —EVEN IF I ONLY SEE MY FAMILY A HANDFUL OF TIMES EACH YEAR
If someone had told me a few years back that my most cherished spot would be a small yellow tent, I would have likely laughed. Back then, my life was filled with deadlines, meetings, and constant noise—always rushing. I love my , but I often felt only partially present, preoccupied by so many distractions.
After my youngest child left home, something shifted in me. I purchased a second-hand hiking and began to explore. Initially, it was just weekend outings, but those weekends kept getting extended. Eventually, I discovered that my most joyful moments were the ones spent waking up to the sound of birds, enjoying instant coffee from a plastic cup, snug in my sleeping bag while the sun broke through the mist.
So, I made a decision. Now, I travel solo. My tent has effectively become my home base. Some days, I hike ten miles; other days, I simply relax by a river or chat with passing strangers. There’s no timetable—no boss, no meetings, and no incessant notifications harassing my phone.
My family generally understands my choices. I visit them a few times each year, often when the seasons change or I'm yearning for a real roast dinner. My daughter expresses concern, while my son humorously calls me a "hermit with Wi-Fi" (he’s not entirely off base).
But honestly...
