INSIGHTS
inspiring you to
hike your own hike
As a backpacker, a professional musician and radio host, Alison Young offers a unique perspective on life’s journey.
Deep dives include her cancer journey, intentional quitting, managing loss and regret, spiritual renewal and a search for lasting joy, plus regaining activity after two total hip replacements and the benefits of walking.
Like a Cowgirl
Sometimes making a “dumb” mistake can open us up to new new pathways. It’s all in your perspective.
March Forth
Six years ago today, I completed a walk of the entire length of New Zealand. What got me there were three words from the positive mental attitude world, “Do it now!”
The Clarity of a Fuzzy Mind
The long, relentless walks along the canals on the Florida Trail gave me an opportunity for some of my very best thinking and problem solving.
Garmin inReach Fail
In the space of one month, my Garmin inReach Mini Satellite Communicator failed. As I rely on the Garmin inReach Mini for communication – especially in case of an emergency – these two consecutive failures are deeply concerning.
Just a dollop of stress, please
Leonard Bernstein said, “To achieve great things, two things are needed: a plan, and not quite enough time.” Sometimes stress can be incredibly beneficial to focus the mind on what matters in the moment.
S.T.O.P. to Move Forward
Sometimes to keep moving forward we need to stop and reassess if we’re actually on the right trail.
A Daily Dose of Do-Overs
When the going gets tough and things don’t pan out, we become more resilient and self-empowered when instead of asking “Why me?” we ask “What’s next?”
Born to Smile
In my TEDx talk, I share that I received the unlikely trail name “Blissful Hiker” from other hikers because I smiled a lot, even when the going got tough. Turns out smiling is good for you and has myriad health benefits.
TEDx talk: from loss to bliss
Watch my TEDx talk! “How do you find your bliss? Take the long trail.”
Healthy (Blissful) Chocolate Cake!
Make this dairy-free, saturated fat-free and refined sugar-free chocolate cake containing three super foods!
reflections on turning 60
In two days, I’ll leave the fifties behind. What words of wisdom do I have to share as the big day approaches? Keep flexing your “wonder” muscle.
Don’t Give Up
Yoga is like life, a practice with unlimited chances to get right back in if we fall out.
