I made it to the top – because of my son!
Nope, I’m not talking about the things other people say that we should want – top of the career ladder, top social sphere, top room mom.
All good things, but that’s not the stuff that I really care about.
I’m starting to realize that I left a very important piece of myself behind when I graduated from college:
MY ADVENTUROUS SPIRIT.
Somewhere between Syracuse University and Burlington, Vermont – over a span of 17 years – I forgot to nurture that part of my soul. At this point, it’s not about why for me. It’s more important How Stella Got Her Groove Back.
Hey Stella, I Got My Groove Back Too! Here’s How.
In college, I didn’t hesitate to take on a great adventure, even if it meant risking my life on a rickety old bus to get me there! Cliff jump – sure! Rock climb – count me in! Hike into a volcano – sounds amazing!
“My soul was fed by adventure, but then I stopped. I let myself get away.”
It happened naturally enough, given that my job was to tell other people’s stories – and I loved it!
I met the most incredible people and felt so connected to their lives.
Unfortunately, along the way, I forgot to be – more connected- to myself.
British Heart Foundation Study
Seven in 10 adults agree it’s ‘really important’ to have hobbies. Sticking with them is challenging, according to researchers, who polled 2,000 adults in the UK. They identified work commitments, busy family life and lack of motivation as the reasons.
Seek out inspiring women to help you get your groove back. Here are THREE women who inspired me to rediscover my adventurous spirit!
Brittany Almassalkhi is the mom in the middle of this photo and she is the first person who helped me get my groove back!
She also inspired my approach to outdoor play – in all seasons and all weather!
Brittany leads Hike It Baby hikes. I had a new baby and craved being in the woods.
My pivotal lesson from Brittany: Embrace nature as a playground for kids.
During a hike in the woods, we came upon a stream and her little girl started throwing off her clothes to jump in! I watched her – not the daughter, the Mom. She never reacted, other than to watch her child embrace the moment and play.
This gave me an entirely new perspective on parenting. Her approach helped me start the process of re-embracing my adventurous spirit and encouraging it in my son.
Nichole Caisse-Andors is just a kick a$$ woman – she doesn’t let anything stop her from making time to be outside.
She is the reason that I know that I can carry a toddler, on my back, to the top of one of Vermont’s most photographed viewpoints!
Here’s the catch – she did it carrying her son – and she was pregnant!
Making it to the top of Stowe Pinnacle, scrambling over rocks for the last stretch, made me feel so strong and adventurous.
My pivotal lesson from Nichole: Honor my mental wellbeing by adventuring in nature.
Stefanie Reese is one of those women who you meet for a moment in your life, but you don’t forget.
We met through a Facebook group – Girls Who Hike Georgia – when I lived in the Atlanta area.
Stephanie had discovered hiking after being well into her career and motherhood – and she was passionate about being on the trails!
My pivotal lesson from Stefanie:
When you start something new, if you love it, always make the space for it because it’s good for you.
I also love Stefanie because she comes prepared! We tag teamed our way down a pitch black trail – sharing her head lamp and good conversation – both hoping that would keep the bears away!
Explore Passions
Think back to what made you feel really alive and gave you great joy. Or, is there something you want to do, but feel unsure about it. Ask yourself, how can I add that into my life?
Find Groups on Social Media
Social Media makes it easy to find people with similar interests. I’ve signed up for hikes, gone to an art class and discovered a spiritual program I wanted to try – through Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Open Yourself to New Friendships and mentors
One of the joys of reuniting with my adventurous spirit is that I meet inspiring, cool women. They expose me to ways of thinking and ways of living that make me open to the possibilities of what can be.
Which brings me to the mountain that I just conquered with my son.
To some, it may be a stretch to say that I conquered it!
To me, it is 30 years in the making and took courage.
When I moved back to Vermont in 2020, I hadn’t skied since I was a teenager, but I wanted to – for myself and my son.
He’s 7-years-old now and loves outdoor adventures! So, when he started asking to go to the top of Burke Mountain, I kept saying that I didn’t think we were ready yet.
Fortunately, for him and me, his friend’s Dad is a former ski racer. He offered to take the boys to the top.
When he asked me if I wanted to join them, I hesitated.
Then I thought, of course I’m going up!
This is who I am.
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