On trail. That is my joyful place. I should probably say it’s my “happy place,” as that is the usually recognized term for something that brings you happiness. But the word “happy” doesn’t quite seem to justify the deepness or wideness of what I really feel when I am on trail. Sure, I am certainly happy when I’m there. But I’m also happy when I get the house cleaned in a timely manner, or finish a load of laundry, or unload all of my groceries from the car and get them put away. No, the word “happy” doesn’t stretch far enough to cover what I experience when I’m on trail. It is hard to completely describe what a hike means to me, but I do know several things. I feel an excitement that fills my soul when I take that first step down the dirt path. I feel anticipation, like a kid getting ready to open a present. That “present” is slowly unwrapped as I conquer each and every mile. I see things…hear things…touch things that I can’t experience anywhere else. And it is exciting to me. It brings me overwhelming joy…oh, my cup runneth over when I am on trail. But I digress…
Back to on trail…and it being my joyful place. I should probably change that to it’s OUR joyful place…me and my husband Mike’s. We both get it, we both love it, we both connect here. And it unites us. There are miles we make together where we barely say a word to each other, and yet…we feel each other’s presence and common ground, and we are filled with peace and love. And there are miles we make together where we point out the most minute details of the incredible, visceral, beyond understanding natural world around us. And there are miles where we laugh and make fun of each other for falling behind, running into a spider web, tripping over a tree branch, or witnessing the unexpected biker coming around a sharp bend headed straight in my direction just at the moment I pull my phone out to take a picture! Near catastrophe averted, and yeah, I deserved to be laughed at there. But, yes, on trail there is quiet time, talking time, and laughing time…and that connects us and brings us both joy.
Connection. That is what on trail is all about. And every couple out there should experience it, because I promise you, it brings you closer together. It unites you. It gives you common ground. Because, well, the trail…it is a healing potion. That healing potion gives you the gift of time in a place that is beautiful and a place where you can disconnect from the busy, laborious lives we live. And it gives you the gift of quiet time with your spouse. Every couple needs that, young or old.
So, here are my two cents worth. Grab your partner and a water bottle, and head to the trail, any trail. When you get there and as you move along, talk with each other about little things that you share in your lives, even if it is about something simple like the meal you had the night before or a fun memory you share. And then, spend time just being quiet and observing what you see around you. I have found that even when we are quiet together on trail, I still feel connected with Mike because I know he is in a good place, as am I, so we are in a good place together. Being quiet on trail also gives my mind time to wander and reflect on how blessed I am. So use that time to focus on all the positivity in your life and the good qualities in your partner, because we spend way too much time thinking about how our lives or partner could be better. When you see something that intrigues or fascinates you, be sure to share that with your partner as well. It could be the curve of a tree, an unusual insect on the ground, or animal tracks embedded in the trail. It is wonderful to find pleasure in the simple things in life and to share that with someone else. Our world is too complicated, and it feels good to notice the small things and how amazing they are. And laugh together, even if it is poking fun at your partner. There should be way more laughter in this world! Do all of these things – talk, laugh, have quiet moments – give that present to your relationship, and you will find connection there. You, too, will find your “joyful place.” I promise.
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