Almost half of my life, there’s been this idea. This ‘what if’. This dream. I’ve known for a while how much the AT has meant to me…15 years to be exact.
Standing on top of Springer Mountain, alone in the fog, I lost it. This idea that formed from a rainy-day video of the AT in college was finally coming to fruition.
How do you process 15 years worth of a dream in one moment on a rock in Georgia?
You cry.
A lot. And an uncontrollable ugly cry.
Not out of fear or sadness, but tears of excitement and joy. Tears of uncertainty and from sacrifice. Tears because you can’t believe you actually had the guts to go for it. You cry for all the past hurt, pain and failures and the let downs and the whys. And at the same time thankful that it all led you here- knowing this journey is about to change you.
There’s a sense of victory in starting. Knowing that many people leave their dreams high on a shelf as something to look at, talk about and admire, but never taking it down to explore.
I’ve been so terrified that I would come out here and not finish. That I would have to answer to people or explain why it didn’t happen for me. The longer I’ve been out here, I’ve come to realize that I’ve already succeeded. I took a chance, went all in and have already had an experience of a lifetime. How can I see that as a failure?
That dream high on the shelf is now resting in my hands and mine for the taking.
God willing, I’d love to finish this thing, but I’ve already learned so much about who I am and met so many great people, that I’ve already won.
But, what if? What if I do this? I can’t imagine the person I’ll be in the end.
What is your ‘What if’? Have you taken steps to get there, or are you admiring it high on a shelf?
Finding Katahdin 
You got this Zoom Zoom
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Wow! That’s awesome Lindsey. When I asked you what motivated you to walk to Maine you said something simply like “that you had been thinking about it for a while”. But your written answer to that question is breathtaking. Thanks for sharing it!
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Beautifully said. So proud of you for chasing your dream. Thank you for sharing this experience with us. Go take a hike!
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Lindsey, That was Absolutely Beautiful!!! It made my heart leap for joy. I’m so so Proud of you!!! Thank you for sharing your fears and inner soul with so many people. As much as you are being blessed by taking this leap is as much as you are blessing others. You’re Amazing!!! God shines through you and that’s a Truly Awesome and Beautiful thing!!! You go Girl!! ❤️
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I find myself checking your blog multiple times daily for new pictures and words. Thru you fulfilling your dream, you are giving many of us a chance to “hike along” with you!! I have officially joined your dad in nail biting. Bette and I chat daily wondering if you are warm, eating enough, and number of miles you have gone lol. 🏕🏔
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Such beautiful words and so very true. We all have dreams we hold in our heart though sadly most don’t ever go after them and end up living with regrets. You are such an inspiration and a blessing!! Following your journey and seeing how empowering and transforming it’s become for you stirs up my spirit and gives me hope that someday I’ll find the strength to pursue my own journey. Continued prayers and love 💕
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