It is rare for a traveler to focus on the path that is being traveled, constantly being distracted with thoughts of the future -- thoughts of the destination. One foot in front of another, step by step the journey accompanied by a sidetracked mind becomes more and more monotonous. All too easy it is to effortlessly step over down logs, dodge overhanging trees, and slosh through a freshly formed puddle. Even the path itself is taken for granted by most.

This past summer, one of the participants on a backpacking trip I went on worked as a member of a trail crew. On that trail crew, it was her job to up keep existing and form new trails in one of the largest National Parks. I never really took the time to think about the process of building an entire trail, usually too mesmerized by where the path was leading me and by all the beautiful nature. As the trip continued, my friend Maureen kept pointing out little things along the way, “Look at that,” she would say pointing, “Do you see the way that down tree is cut and placed the way it is? That is so if the trail were to flood, the tree would direct some of the run-off water.” Looking down to where she pointed, I guess I could see what she was talking about, but without her pointing it out, I would have never noticed or appreciated all of the hard work that went into the creation of the very trail I was hiking.

Ever since that trip, I now am so thankful for all of the hard work that others do in order to provide safe, well thought out trails for everyone else. It also made me think about how intimidating, yet magnificent, it would be to, from a clean canvas, to blaze a brand new trail. For those who are brave enough, “There is no trail that they follow, no path that can be seen, only felt.” ( http://noles1128.blogspot.com/) 

“Could Loneliness and Happiness Work Together in Harmony?”
http://noles1128.blogspot.com/

   

            As an extrovert myself, this question is a bit daunting, but at the same time, one that brings about a valid point. All too often extroverts rely on others to recharge them, gripping to the energy that encompasses large groups of people like a coffee addict who cannot start the day without their first sip. It is important for everyone to understand who they are and how interactions with others affect them, all the while accepting and appreciating the differences of others.

            Introverts understand the depths of themselves and who they are as a person, they are their primary foundation, changing little to accommodate the responses and comments of others. I find that when I am surrounded and totally encompassed in the serenity of nature, as Joseph Conrad refers to in his novel, Heart of Darkness, “…went into the patient wilderness, that closed upon it as the sea closes over a diver,” (Conrad). I am answered, through nature,  that loneliness and happiness can work together in harmony.

            Breaking from the usual routine not only makes one appreciate what they have, but it also makes them understand more of who they are. I am happy in the wilderness, I am an extrovert who is happy when I am lonely because it gives me a time to think about all of the people who have made me into the person I am, through chosen bits and pieces of others I have built a solid foundation of who I am today. In the loneliness and enormity of nature can relive the laughter of times past and appreciate the fulfillment that others bring me. Happiness is found in loneliness. 

 "It represents openness and limitless possibilities.
 I can look to the sky at night and see space and just envision everything I want."
-http://spaceistoimagination.blogspot.com/

    Look down and look around, there is so much to see, too much to see at times. People moving, cars swerving, dogs running, leaves rustling, advertisements flashing- society is filled with movement distractions, things that can detour someone from accomplishing or even recalling their most paramount goals.      

  One must not forget to remember who they are and what they wish to become.    

  For me I collect myself, I find myself, and I remind myself in nature’s presence. When I look up everything becomes clear and it is quite refreshing. What is nice about the sky is its vast space- no matter where one might be, anywhere in the world, or time of day, all it takes is a glance up to get away from the distractions. It is automatically peaceful to look up and reflect and regain one’s sense of direction. Looking up at the sky into the space that lies beyond is similar to diving into a pool of water. Instantly everything becomes silent; regardless of what is going on above the water, people screaming, music playing, children splashing, everything below the surface is peaceful.   

     Always remember no matter where you are you can always get away.