On becoming joyfully AF

[free at last]

On becoming joyfully AF

Quick check in now that we have a decent internet connection. All is well with the happy, AF hikers.

[free at last]

On becoming joyfully AF

Back from our "practice backpack" of 16 miles to make certain tent, stove, and other gear was going to work for our long hike. So grateful for my signficant AF time this past year and my consecutive AF time these past few weeks. Onward!

[halo]

On becoming joyfully AF

Sounds very therapeutic Free! Routine can be our downfall and our saviour, I guess it depends on what our routine is! Glad you are travelling on your terms this summer, making progress myself, and trying to help others struggling with AL, finding myself quoting some of the amazing people who have inspired me along the way, you included. Keep well:l

[free at last]

On becoming joyfully AF

Hi Halo,
Thanks for your kind words and, as always, for your encouragement. Hope your summer is going well.

We depart tomorrow for the "long walk." Am feeling so grateful every morning that I wake up from an AF night.

Warmest,

[free at last]

On becoming joyfully AF

Posted this on the gratitude thread but wanted to post here as well. Am so grateful for:

my husband, parents, dog, family and friends, health, for the ability to take this summer trip, for being born in a developed country, for the way I was raised, for this incredible planet, and for my spirituality and sense of awe. Grateful to be present in this moment.

Been on the road six weeks now. While driving, we have been listening to "On Being" segments, which I highly recommend. On Being with Krista Tippett: religion, meaning, ethics, and ideas -- on public radio and online [OnBeing.org]

The big walk starts tomorrow. Will be in limited email/internet connection but am committed to remaining joyfully AF.

[Guitarista]

On becoming joyfully AF

Safe and happy travels FAL!

G bloke.

[free at last]

On becoming joyfully AF

Thanks, Mr. G.
Seven days of backpacking to cover 70 miles. One day rest to resupply and rest and we are back on the trail tomorrow. All is well and remain joyfully AF.

[Darkest Diamond]

On becoming joyfully AF

Inspirational

Free, please keep posting it really helps me to see beautiful life possibilities x

[free at last]

On becoming joyfully AF

Thanks, DD. I hope you are beginning to feel better.

We just completed 104 miles of the almost 500 mile trail. In some ways, it is as if I am on a pilgrimage. I spend the first hour or so thanking the divine for everything I am grateful for. I started by thinking of ten items that I am grateful for pretty much every day. Then, I dissected each of those items and came up with ten reasons I am grateful for each of the original ten. Amazing how it puts me in the most positive of moods. Then, during the next hour or so of hiking, I pray for family/friends, for people I don't like very much or have hurt me, for people here on MWO, for resolution to world situations. I have found that prayer makes me more hopeful than ever.

It's been raining (sometimes for 8 hours at a time) every day. But, twice we found shelter from a major storm. One time we were hanging out by the awning of an outhouse, but hey, any shelter in a storm.

We are in a little town now for showers, laundry, resupply, and catch up on news and family. Tomorrow, we hit the trail again. Walked past bars, liquor stores, happy hour promotions. No desire for AL. It's a new freedom that I am enjoying very much.

[free at last]

On becoming joyfully AF

Quick update from the trail. Completed mile 182, now camped by a lovely lake. Still AF and full of gratitude.

[free at last]

On becoming joyfully AF

Quick update, mile 216 completed and taking a rest day to resupply and recharge. Happy to report remaining AF and oh so grateful.

[Turnagain]

On becoming joyfully AF

I really appreciate your updates, Free! I like to envision you out there seeing all the beauty with clear eyes and a contented heart and mind. It's inspirational!

[free at last]

On becoming joyfully AF

Thanks, Turnagain. It's amazing how walking in the woods satisfies my soul. Though many days are not "walking" but rather huffing and puffing it up a huge hill (1500-2500 feet up and down each day). Life is reduced to shelter (get the tent up before it rains), water, food (how much mac and cheese can be carried in my pack), protection (the wonder dog is quite territorial and barks at anything larger than a marmot), but there is also a lot of time for reflection, for not thinking at all, for enjoying the company of my DH and dog, and for stillness. I realize what a blessing this trip is and so grateful to be present for every moment.

[Pinecone]

On becoming joyfully AF

Hi FAL, it's great to hear about your trip! I'm living vicariously! Many safe and happy miles to you.

[free at last]

On becoming joyfully AF

Quick update--250 miles and 47000 feet up and down. No way I could do this if I was chained to AL.