When I was 20 I hiked the Appalachian Trail. At 2190 miles, it’s the longest hiking only footpath in the world. For 6 months I carried my possessions in a pack on my back and walked in the woods, from Georgia to Maine.
When I started the journey I carried a lot. I had a 52 pound backpack and 100 tons of grief from the loss of my sister Kristen.
I realized quickly that carrying such weight around would make every step even more difficult than it already was.
I had to really think deeply about what I needed to be holding onto.
So, I cut the handle off of my toothbrush in hopes of saving an ounce. I ripped the pages from my journal to save me from the weight of the binder. I let go of the disappointment in myself that I couldn’t save her.
Turns out letting go of things, even if they seem small and irrelevant, can add up and have a great impact on how we are able to move forward.
Ultimately I got the pack down to 45 pounds. But the weight off my shoulders from learning to let go was far greater.
Now my path is different. A 2000 sq ft hot yoga room.
Still though, it’s plenty of room to work on letting go.
Thanks for sharing your story Billy. We all face different paths when confronting grief and after the physical loss of Kristen, I’m glad you were able to find yours. I am glad that it has led you to the one you currently tread.
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