Date: 2011-01-09
To: One Year Later
Miles today: 0.0

Well, I definitely wasn¢t born a writer people! I¢m finding it very hard to sit down and put my thoughts down on paper (really going to finish my journal- I promise! Giving myself a deadline- within the next week- seriously, I¢m on the case!) So, since my last update and having finished the trail over 3 months ago now, I find myself once again living with my grandparents in Florida for a while and working for my former employer (same as when I began this journal a year ago today). Not exactly the direction I plan to take my life, but for the minute it suits me just fine. Actually went straight back to work right after returning from Canada and writing the last update (bills don¢t pay for themselves unfortunately!)So, how has life changed for me post trail? Well, looking at what I am doing at the moment it wouldn¢t look like a whole lot. But that¢s just on the surface and I¢d say quite a lot has changed since last year. I didn¢t hike the Appalachian Trail to find myself or to escape from my life- I did it because I really enjoy being outside, love camping and hiking, I thought it would be a great way to meet some like-minded folks, and most of all because I thought it would be fun! Although, I don¢t think I have changed a massive amount as a result of thru hiking the trail there are definitely some subtle personal changes that have come about as a result of this experience.To begin with, I am definitely more comfortable in my own skin. No longer do I look at my body and see the flaws that I wish I could change, but rather I love that my body has allowed me to physically be able do so many wonderful, difficult things that I enjoy (like going out for a 2,179 mile stroll). Those of us born able-bodied are very fortunate and often take that for granted, and it is inspiring to see those with disabilities (Bulldog, Stumblewolf, etc) accomplish amazing feats. I have definitely become aware of how wasteful our society is and am attempting to live more simply- a work in progress of course, but isn¢t that the point? Before the trail, I was slightly lost and not sure what direction I wanted to head career-wise and hoped that the trail would kind of point me in the right direction. Even though I am currently working at my old job, I know what I would like to do now and I plan on working towards getting there. And how could I even begin describing all the wonderful people brought into my life as a result of this hike¢¦ I don¢t think I can to be honest. I¢ve received more love, had many laughs and met so many amazing, incredible folks that I¢ve learned so much from along this trip- more than I would ever have hoped to experience in a single year. I know this all sounds quite cheesy, but isn¢t that the way these wrap-up articles are meant to sound? And for those of you who wonder if I¢m still in touch with trail folks- I still talk to LJ all the time (and was just with him on new years), still chat to Red Stick, Serentina, Klarity and the Crusher and some other fellow hikers quite a bit as well. And through the wonders of facebook I have been able to keep in touch and share pictures with many hiker friends from this year.I have to admit, it was a little sad when I looked at trail journals today and saw that my year of hiking has already passed but best of luck to everyone heading out in 2011 and I hope to meet some of you along the way! For me, it¢s on to the next adventure but I¢m sure I¢ll be back from time to time. People say that there is a magic to the trail and whether you believe that or not, I think that the trail brings you exactly what you need. It certainly brought more to me than I could have hoped for, so I only hope that I am able to keep giving back to it in the future. And if you know anything about the AT community, you know that there are countless others who feel the same way.