Becoming a backpacker...or anything, really
a few words of encouragement, reflection, and gratitude.
By Shannon Barr
August 27, 2019
It’s quite remarkable what you can become once you make an initial step. There’s no telling where that “yes” will lead. I’ve found that those eyes-shut-fists-clenched-just-jump moments are often drenched in enrichment.
For instance, I couldn’t say I was a backpacker only a couple months ago. I hadn’t been on a single backpacking trip before (and was met with much surprise when I told people that, if they had any inkling of of my adventurous spirit).
I knew I could backpack and I knew I’d love it, because I love a zesty challenge — it’s the petri dish that cultures personal growth.
So the first opportunity I had, I jumped! And I’ve tackled two more since. The three-nighter in Yosemite REALLY solidified my love—and respect—of this boundary-pushing sport (thankful for my friend Caitlin for introducing me to this gift — I’m ridiculously grateful).
And lately, I’ve stepped into other dynamic roles beyond the outdoors — both professionally and personally. New adventures, new job positions, a new relationship.
“The initial jump off the platform of familiarity creates an exciting and expansive space that allows for refinement, improvement, and cultivation of expertise.”
Though new territories are sometimes messy and riddled with lessons, I think it’s worth celebrating that we can become what we might have been (homage to the ever-so-popular [Mary Ann Evans] George Eliot quote). Those first shaky steps onto the platform, the tepid movement forward in the venture into unfamiliar territory — I see now as incredibly enriching.
There’s a special responsibility that inherently emerges after taking these steps forward into new spaces. The initial jump off the platform of familiarity creates an exciting and expansive space that allows for refinement, improvement, and cultivation of expertise. Make sure you have grace with yourself along the way.
My hope is that these words encourage you to seek out adventures, be it recreationally, professionally, personally, etc. Continue learning, embracing discomfort, and engaging with the unfamiliar.
So now — I backpack. I’m a backpacker! All it took was saying “yes” to an initial opportunity. I have much to learn — and I’m SO here for it. Hitting the trails again this weekend!
—smb
