During that time, my dream of thru-hiking the AT just sort of faded. Unlike many thru-hikers, I'm not at any recognizable transition in life. I also have a supportive family, good friends, a nice place to live, and two wonderful cats. Plus, I'm on a kick-ass softball team. Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.
Security is mostly a superstition.
It does not exist in nature. Actually, my reasons for thru-hiking are probably no different from many people's reasons. Also, I look forward to the company of other AT hikers. I have my own fears and insecurities, and I want to face those fears, to deal with the insecurities that have controlled so much of my life and actions for so long. I want to stop being scared of life, and I'm ready to step out of my comfy little world and face the physical, mental, and spiritual challenges of an AT thru-hike.