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.
Freak Show
I didn’t expect much when someone asked to closely examine my deformed hands—but the moment ended up teaching me about what truly matters – and what doesn’t.
Second Spring
Spring reminds us that change is inevitable, and no matter how uncomfortable that might feel, change is also full of promise.
Let the Day Unfold
The lowly New Zealand sandfly teaches us about impermanence, to keep moving forward and to stay open to possibility.
Life is Wide
“Life may be short, but it’s also wide” suggests we accept life’s limits while also being astonished by its abundance.
Never Quit on a Bad Day
When everything goes sideways and you’re having a bad day, repeat the mantra to not quit today but instead give yourself the self-love, the break, the reset to get back on track.
Be Where Your Feet Are
Walking through woodland ephemerals in early spring reminds us to embrace impermanence and stay present in the here and now.
The Trail Will Provide
Hiking has a way of making us more resilient, not so much manifested as strength and persistence, but in developing trust and embracing the unknown.
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.
