5 Reasons Why I Will Never Move Away From Mountains…
There are so many different types of people out there in the world. People who love wide open land, people who love the city, the sea, but me? I love the mountains. So much in fact, it’s actually tattooed to my side forever now, (sorry dad). But how could I not? I grew up in the Mount Washington Valley of New Hampshire, the heart of New Hampshire. So many mountains just minutes away.
Reason 1: Reminders of home…
I might have not been born in the state of New Hampshire but I sure was raised here, with views of the local mountains seconds away from my house. Driving 20 minutes north of my home and being able to be surrounded by all of the White Mountains, it always gave me a sense of this is where I was raised, like my safe space, my home. No matter where I go, if there are mountains around it gives me a little reminder of home, family and a beautiful community.
Reason 2: They remind me there more to life than what we see…
This reason, is about the reaching the peak of the mountains. The final, “We made it!” and being able to look around, as far as the eye can see.
When we are on the ground, everything we see seems so, small. We adapt to our surroundings and get used to everything. But being able to be practically see the sky, it gives you chills. It shows you what the world is, physically. You shouldn’t climb mountains so the world can see you, but so you can see the world.
Reason 3: The best views do come after the hardest climbs
Now I know I am not the only one that can say hiking can put one heck of a toll on your body. Oh the aches, pain, stretching, out of breath moments, the ankle twists, stream crossings…or swims? How lovely they are. One step forward, two steps back right? Living near mountains will always allow me to exercise in a different kind of way. Now, I know what you are thinking…why would I want this exercise? I do it because of the dopamine that travels through my body the entire time, and getting high in a natural kind of way. With the feeling of accomplishment and success. So push yourself, get out there!
Reason 4: They allow me to get lost, and show me what it is like to be happy…
No, I don’t mean the search and rescue, SOS kind of help you see in the new articles where you took the wrong path and now you are lost within the White Mountains hoping a black bear doesn’t come eat you for dinner but more so when you are able to walk through the trails and have nothing on your mind. Living and being able to drive to a mountain, and forget about everything in this world except for its beauty. When you are in nature, your mind gets lost. It gives you a breathtaking relief of all the horrible things we belittle one another with: sexism, racism, homophobia, transphobia, classism, and all the other ways we oppress, stigmatize and hurt one another. It allows you to be yourself, in your own state of mind.
Reason 5: It’s not the mountains we conquer, but ourselves…
There was a necklace someone very special to me, who has been by my side since the day I was born gave to me at a time in my life, where I felt small. I felt defeated, hurt and lost…
The necklace is worn around my neck, every day since the moment I got it, and it is a symbol and a reminder that I will never settle for anything less of what I deserve. Not only will I climb mountains… but I will forever conquer and move them. Whether it be actual mountains I hike in my life reaching the peak and being able to breath, or it being the tough times in life. I will never move away from mountains because they give me a sense of who I will forever be. I will be strong, fearless, beautiful and I will move mountains.