It’s that time again, for the last of the 500 mile reflections. Lately I’ve been thinking about the end of the trail a lot, about how quickly 2500 miles and five months have passed. I just put one foot in front of the other, and before I knew it I’d basically walked from Mexico to Canada. People are always saying that hiking the PCT is so impressive, that they couldn’t do it. But they could if they wanted. It’s really easy.
That sentiment is applicable to everything in my life. I know it sounds simple and silly saying it this way, but everything big and impressive can be that easy, if you just break it down into small steps. So often I try things, and give up if I’m not immediately good at them, instead of trying harder. As a result, I’m not really really good at many things.
I’ve also been thinking about how amazing and fun the past 2500 miles and five months have been. I am so fortunate to be here. Still, it irritates me to no end when other privileged people tell me that I’m so lucky to be living the dream, that they wish they could do it. But they could if they wanted. Living the dream is really easy if you pick the right dreams. If this is your dream save up a few thousand dollars, quit your job, leave your lease, put your relationships on hold and go for a walk. What’s the worst that could happen? It’ll probably be well worth it.
It’s another easy to articulate, hard to actuate idea the applies to other areas of my life. The trail has taught me to take risks and reap the rewards. This trip I’ve tried so many previously unthinkable things, I’ve pushed all of my boundaries. I’ve asked a lot of both myself and others and usually it’s worked out well. So often I don’t go for things because I’m scared I’m not good enough and I hate being rejected, so I miss a lot of opportunities.
I know how you feel in this post. I got (and still get) similar reactions from people when they hear I rode my bike across the country. You just have to point yourself in the right direction and keep pedaling, and eventually you’ll get there. And it’s entirely rewarding; just look at all those beautiful photos. And they probably don’t even do the real sights justice, when you’re immersed in that scenery and it’s your reality for months on end.
I’ve tried to tell other people that I sometimes think of my trip as a metaphor for life (similar to you), and got laughed at. Oh well.
Also, walking that trail is more bad ass than biking that across the US. I’m sure I’ve told you before, but congrats on finishing an awesome trek.