Life Lessons from the Appalachian Trail
Setting Goals and Expectations
As I write, I am watching the movie A Walk in the Woods about Bill Bryson’s experience walking the Appalachian Trail. As you read this… I will actually be somewhere on the trail.
I have never watched this movie before, mostly because of my ego but probably also because of my cynical nature. I have to admit that I am skeptical about how an affluent writer might represent their experience on the trail and how it might differ from the experience of the average backpacker like me. In my 6 years of backpacking, I have become quite proud of my ability to backpack solo. I recognize the grueling effort it takes, and I am afraid that someone might diminish the effort of an AT (Appalachian Trail) hiker or commercialize the experience.
“Lesson One - I must ask myself, is this pride or arrogance?”
I have watched other movies about long-distance hikes and hikers, but I much prefer YouTube videos by hikers, like Dixie of Homemade Wanderlust, Second Chance Hiker, Flatbrokeoutside, Darwin on the Trail, and Ramdino Hiking the Trails. They offer real, informative experiences and advice on backpacking, gear, guides, and terrain. Ramdino goes a step further and offers the latest news on current thru-hikers, conditions on the trail, and any current dangers or threats to your safety.
I hike a section of the AT every year. My goal is to eventually finish the entire trail, approximately 2200 miles, one section at a time. This is something I look forward to every year because;
It helps to keep me fit, hiking year-round, in order to have the stamina for my 2-3 week hike.
I enjoy the physical challenge, especially as I am now a senior citizen.
It gives me the opportunity to work through some of my unfinished grieving.
It allows me long periods of silence as I typically hike alone, and my phone has limited internet access and battery life.
I get to sit alone in my thoughts, which allows me to examine and listen to my self-talk, acknowledge my growth, and set new goals.
It is something I look forward to and use to keep me going through the hard days throughout the year.
But let’s get back to this movie… I need some extra motivation this year. To be honest, I have not had the time to put into training for the hike as I would have liked. My time and attention have been distracted by my writing, social media, my part-time job, and the arrival of a new grandchild. I am not in shape for the hike and could easily talk myself out of it.
Let me repeat that: I am not in shape for the hike… I will not be able to walk 14-16 miles a day, climbing and descending mountains. I cannot take the typical 2-3 week break from my schedule to hike. I am going to have to limit myself to 7 or 8 days. I am going to have to limit the miles I hike every day. Thus, if I put some rational thought into this trip (or maybe negative self-talk, depending on how you frame it), I could easily talk myself out of this trip. But, If I go on this trip, I will have to set different goals.
“Lesson Two - I am going to have to set some healthy and reasonable expectations”
But I know this backpacking trip is important and will benefit me. My reluctance is similar to the excuses you make when you are tired or busy and don’t want to make your 12-step meeting.
You know you need to go.
You know you will be glad once you are there, and when it’s over,
You will be glad you went.
“Lesson Three - The first step is often the hardest”
However, since I am conflicted and need a little extra motivation, I hope watching the movie will deepen my desire to return to the trail. This also brings me to another tool that I use in maintaining my sobriety—watching inspirational films. Often, when I find myself a little depressed, unmotivated to begin a new project, or sitting in self-doubt, I will seek out an inspirational movie. The movie is usually nonfiction but may include something artistic, like The Life of Pi. This serves the purpose of stopping any cyclical, non-productive thinking, pushing me to think of the bigger picture, and recognizing that there are other people out there who have similar struggles. I even think it helps produce some natural endorphins or other feel-good hormones.
“Lesson Four - Be creative in your self-care skills and be careful where you place your time and attention”
So, I am going to watch this movie, finish this blog, pack my gear and pick a route. I am going to set slower, more realistic goals for this year, recognize my limitations, and practice acceptance.
Thanks for reading, and by doing so, you are helping keep me accountable.
“Lesson Five - Keep ourself accountable by sharing your goals with others”
Please share this with anyone you feel it can help, and take a few minutes to check out some of the other blog entries.