Take a Hike (Literally)

A couple of weeks ago, I felt pressure and stress building up inside me. Each day seemed to bring a new expectation or task to add to my never-ending to-do list. There just wasn't enough time in the day, and I noticed myself getting sassy, short, and snappy with the people closest to me.

At night, as I reflected on my day, I’d beat myself up for being impatient and quick to frustration—especially with those I love most.

I’ve worked hard to stay cheerful, optimistic, and manage my emotions well. But somehow, over the past month, I let external pressures get the best of me. I was reacting in ways I didn’t like. It just wasn’t me.

I know I’m not alone in this. We all have moments when life’s pressures build and build until it feels like we're going to explode if something doesn’t change. It’s like opening Pandora's box of emotions.

With all the expectations and responsibilities, I started to feel like I wasn’t managing things very well. Part of it, I think, is because I’m moving through life as fast—maybe faster—than I did before my cancer diagnosis. But when I take a step back, I realize I’m definitely not back to normal physically yet. Despite that, I keep pushing myself as if I were, because I’m so grateful to be alive and don’t want to miss out on anything!

As I navigate life post-cancer, I’m learning to adapt to my new limitations. It’s different than I thought it would be—and far more emotional.

By the end of last week, I felt completely drained, like I had nothing left to give. So, I said a quick prayer in my heart for strength and support, and these words came to mind: "Erica, go take a hike."

Now, normally, when someone tells you to "take a hike," it means something else entirely. But in this moment, it was literal. I needed to take a real hike. I needed to go to my happy place—to the trees, the mountains, the clean air. I needed to calm down.

The next morning, I got ready and headed to the mountains. Almost immediately, I ran into a snag—there was no parking! But I was determined. I found a spot and started the steep 1.5-mile hike up and then back down. It wasn’t easy, but along the way, I realized something: I am strong. Even if I’m slow, I’m freaking strong. I pushed myself and made better time than I expected.

Exercising in nature nourishes me in a way that a gym never could. There’s nothing wrong with gyms, but being outside, pushing my body, is therapeutic in so many ways.

That hike miraculously calmed me down. It gave me a beautiful “pause between the cause.” I left feeling ready to tackle the next couple of months of travel, conquer my to-do list, and be the best wife and mother I can be.

Moral of the story: If you're feeling overwhelmed or like a heavy weight is sitting on your chest, go take a hike—literally. Get outside. Don’t let anything stop you. Be alone with your thoughts, with God, and with nature. Challenge your body to do something strong. It’s okay to have lots of emotions; just find a way to process them. For me, that means taking a hike.

Anyone want to join me on the next one? It's beautiful outside. Fall is here 🍁

Erica ❤️🌺