Wherever you go, there you are

How to make it matter? I’ve been reading a couple of blogs by folks hiking the PCT from Mexico to Canada. I find it motivational; it inspired me to finally start a blog. I am inspired by people taking the time to record and  summarize each day, complete with photos and reports of their external and internal experience. The task of writing about a long hike might sound rather redundant, as in, walk, rest, eat, walk, snack, walk, sleep, and meet amazing people. It’s not terribly complicated and the goals are very concrete. I’m not saying it’s easy. It must take serious drive and focus. To support this purpose, you need to be keenly aware of water, food, where you are walking, and where you will sleep and refuel.

Building your life around a single purpose must teach focus. I wonder if this is a requirement, to be away from your regular life? To be off regularly-scheduled programming. I can see the value in this.

I don’t feel strongly enough about walking for that long, being away from my home and work.

It has me wondering, how would I summarize my life, by the day?  How would I chart and notice things if I am not carrying a pack and walking on a mission through the wilderness. How do I track my steps, really take it a day at a time? I want to reflect and move along the metaphorical trail, to make forward progress and be present in the now. I want to focus on my goals and well-being and invite wonder into my experience.

Today I went on a run in the rain. I thought about, and sent a mental message to someone who I heard had just passed away from cancer. She was my age. We were not friends, but I wished her peace and happy travels anyway.

Later today, I am hosting a kombucha-making party. This give purpose to my day; creating something with friends.

These are two things that stood out to me because it felt like they mattered.

What gives you purpose? What makes it matter?