Days 1-5 / Mile 80.7

Undertaking an adventure such as the PCT requires a good deal of planning. Despite my best efforts, my hike didn’t start as envisioned. Several unexpected, large issues arose days before departure.

Knowing that a positive headspace is needed to focus on Trail, I did what I could to deal with the situations. The smaller problems were pretty easy to overcome…Mrs. Growler called it Plan B+. I tried with the bigger issues, but feel that their outcomes are uncertain.

These, plus all other uncertainties, become very clear upon arrival at the trailhead.  You say goodbye to the last link of family and home.  You’re left standing alone and shaking.  Cold, nervous, scared?

All the above!

While hiking, I found this uncertainty wondering into my thoughts. Left free to wander, these feelings can quickly spiral downward. Negative headspace and hiking don’t go together. It leads to loss of focus. Which leads to danger.

So…how does one change their thought process?

Bounce!

It’s a Hiker term that means to move things forward. When I start down the wrong thought pattern, I shout out “Bounce”. My focus turns to my music, the amazing views, or anything random…just so my thought process is interrupted. Sometimes I have to Bounce a few times…but I haven’t been down a wormhole in awhile.

Next time you find yourself in a trying situation…Bounce. Move forward to a positive place. Then, at a time and place of your choosing, you can revisit the issue.

Or not.