Skip to main content

The Hills Have Eyes & Mountain Lions


Though I am someone that majorly enjoys spending time outside alone, I also was haunted by some really irrational anxieties and fears. Solo camping: something I wanted to be able to do for years, and once I started doing it I would just torture my brain with images of Hills Have Eyes.. you know this one... Image result for hills have eyesI was sure they were hiding in the woods around me waiting to rape and murder me.
Also hiking: Wikipedia tells me that 20 people have died in North America due to mountain lions in the past 121 years and I've been CONVINCED over the past 3 years that I would be that 21st person. I was paralyzed by this fear. This was beyond frustrating to my stubborn soul. There were multiple hikes that resulted in me exiting the mountain early before getting to my goal due to the intense (made-up) fear circling through my body. Don't get me wrong, mountain lions are very real, and attacks are 100% possible. But I am a firm believer that fear shouldn't hold you back from doing what makes you come alive, as long as you are prepared. I've spent 3 years trying to battle these fears, sometimes winning and sometimes losing. But it still always being in my mind and oftentimes "ruining" my goal of remaining present while hiking.
Well yesterday while hiking back from Horsetooth Rock in the dark the dog I was hiking with ran after something, and I just thought "damn, I hope that's not a mountain lion" and immediately realized that I think I have conquered my fear. No gut wrenching anxiety hit me, no racing thoughts of the possibilities, no delusions of transforming beautiful trees into a man eating monster. This. Feeling. Was. Amazing!
I don't think I've ever noticed a fear, been patient and worked through it, and then seen the end result. It was a beautiful process. I spent a lot of time being really frustrated with myself, angry that something I knew I was making up in my head stopped me from doing something I truly loved. My parents specifically dealt a lot with my fear and frustration. I know with the solo-camping they didn't fully understand why I wanted to do it anyway, and honestly would prefer I don't camp or hike alone, but have continued to cheer me on.
I believe it is extremely important to be aware of your surroundings, carry pepper or bear spray, stay updated on mountain lion sightings, and just be smart. But if hiking makes you come alive, don't let another fellow wanderer in the mountains hold you back.

Fear is an evolutionary tool for human beings, but in 2017 when there are less survival fears we need to be aware of (and probably more political ones to be focused on) we can face these with a determined and patient heart. Trust yourself, and know that if you want to move through a fear. YOU CAN DO IT.
Peace, love, and hope to you all.
Sarah




Comments

Popular posts from this blog

The Orange Reminder

12/25/09 The orange ring lays against fragile skin. A constant reminder of the pain and sorrow...also a memory of endurance and gain. 30 beads each with different meaning..circles the wrist while never ending. The hurt and denial expressed with each glance, anxiety and guilt overwhelm when its gone. without those orange beads meaning is lost, and emptiness fills.

A Pair of Spray Painted Feet

We met through Steve and Peter. From the very beginning I knew I loved him. I knew he was going to be my best friend. The first time I cried in front of him sealed the deal. He knew almost everything about me. He knew my scars, my flaws, my triumphs, he knew me better than I let most. Summer 2013 was an unforgettable one. Not necessarily in a cheerful sort of way, but better than I always remember.He got me through that summer, as well as another. He stood by me while I constantly slipped on and off the curb. Supporting me, yet warning me about the swallowing pits through which I was treading. Spring 2014. You're gone and I feel regret. I wasn't the friend you were to me the past 4 months and I should have been by your side shining the light for your way. Kyle- Thank you for everything you've helped me be. For everything you've carried me through. I'm sorry I wasn't there for you this past semester, I regret every second. You are such an incredible person a...

Prompt: The Dust of Old Bones

I am realizing that when given a prompt, I want to write anything and everything that comes to mind. I am beginning to explore prompts and this one is from a SLC Group called "Salty Scribblers" Deep in her closet a box lies, the dust has spread over the top and seeped to the sides. It has moved with her again and again, though only receives a hesitant glance now and then. But sometimes In her dreams she skips to it, excited to rummage through and release the treasures inside. As she peeks in, she sees distant memories, fervent feelings, and amusement of all kinds.  A Pink and worn Teddy Bear with arms open and a rainbow kite, ripped and bright.  A Snowman sits at the bottom, still frosty and needing a nose.  The scraped knees and rain puddles remind her of play. Some nights she takes one or two out and lays them on her sleeping self, testing the fit.  The beliefs are the hardest to fit.  Her parents know all and her sister protects no matter her own monster wall...