A reset in the form of a hike July 2023

Looking out over Big Cottonwood Canyon in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Last month I was feeling burned out, tired, sore, down and “blah” and I knew I needed to do something to shake off this feeling. Via Instagram (of course!) I found and signed up for a group hike with a local, women-owned company called Rooted and Wild Adventure Co and took a half a day off and hiked on a trail up a nearby canyon. The owners of Rooted and Wild, Amy and Mandy, are awesome women who (a) made me feel immediately welcome and (b) are true outdoors people who knew exactly what they are doing out there. Their company seeks to help women more comfortably explore the outdoors — even for those of us that don’t yet feel like experts.

Looking at Lake Blanche in Big Cottonwood Canyon.

This hike had it it all - great conversation, like-minded folks, beautiful sights, physical challenges… It wasn’t until 3/4 of the way up the mountain that I learned we were doing the most difficult hike up Big Cottonwood Canyon (!!) - to Lake Blanche. The key to any challenge — hikes included — is taking it one step at a time, and that’s exactly what we did. The wildflowers were in their full glory that day and added another level of pleasure to the experience. Once we made it up top, Amy and Mandy lead us in yoga and watercolor painting. It was exactly what my soul needed that day - a little me time, a little reset and some creativity to top it off!

Thinking back to that random Wednesday a few weeks ago, I am reminded how much each of us needs a break, a reset and a rest every so often. I know it isn’t always realistic - as the gears of capitalism keep turning - but making room for some space in my life that week has reminded me how much I thrive on these simple pleasures. Since that day, I have found myself getting outside more and I have even restarted doing watercolors!

Small steps… taking them one at a time.

Just a couple of the watercolor paintings I have done since our hike to Lake Blanche.