Date: 2016-02-03
To: She'll help me go Pharr
Miles today: 0.0
Weather: overcast clouds

It's weird. My family is definitely a "reading family." My sisters and I grew up listening to our parents read us books, so as I grew up, I was definitely a reader (not nearly as much as my sister Anna though--trail name Verge--she used to be reprimanded for staying up too late reading and her room is basically a library). For a few years, though, my school work, extra curriculars, athletics, and social life got in the way of my reading. If I had free time I would rather have zoned out to some mindless tv show than stick my nose in a book.However, after a while I realized I wanted to start reading more before bed instead of watching tv. I had about a gazillion books on my imaginary list of books I absolutely have to read, but Verge told me I need to scoot this particular series she found to the top of the list. It's called "Outlander." I won't tell you what it's about because I went into it having not a clue and was happily hurled into a hectic new world full of adventure and action and history and romance. After I finished the second book, there was such an excruciating cliffhanger that I couldn't bare to know what would happen, so I took a break from the series to read "The Hobbit" for the first time. This was back in August when plans for hiking the trail were set into motion, but I still had such doubts in the back of my mind about whether I was actually going to do it. Reading "The Hobbit" could not have been more perfect for where I was emotionally at that time. I was put into the shoes of someone being dragged onto a grand adventure, making unlikely friends, and traipsing through the woods in life threatening conditions where you end up finding a new and unquenchable thirst for adventure and, more than that, finding yourself. I felt like Bilbo! I found a new excitement for my journey and a new courage as well.I went back to "Outlander," and I just finished the fourth book in the series (they're each like 800-1,200 pages or so), and I'm still in love--in fact so in love that I felt I needed to take a break because I really really don't want them to end. This time, I read "The Secret Garden" because its one of Verge's top three favorite books of all time, and she said there is nothing more pleasant to read (she was right). It not only was pleasant, but it had a greater meaning that I hadn't anticipated: the thoughts that you think mold who you become. (Hopefully I didn't word that too weirdly. It was, again, exactly what I needed to hear (or read)). The more positive thoughts you think and the more you believe you can do something, the more likely it is that you are going to be able to do it. All thoughts of "what ifs" and "buts" and anything of the sort (if not strictly for logistics and back up plans) is not productive and should not be thought!My determination will help me keep walking through the worst weather conditions.My passion will push me through the times when my legs are shaking with each step I take.My imagination will help me make a game of the days where I feel like I should be in an adventure novel.My love for life will keep me going when I'm in the foulest of moods.Positivity(:As I draw nearer to my start date, I decided a trail book was in order.I started reading "Becoming Odyssa." Again, this seems to be perfect for where I am right now.I relate to Jen on so many levels...never done something like this before, don't have much overnight experience at all, don't know what to expect, 21 year old young woman hiking the Appalachian Trail, etc.I'm only on chapter five and already I feel like I've gained so much knowledge and inspiration from her.She'll help me go far...but I'll take myself the rest of the way.So, after reflecting on how perfect all these seemingly random books I've chosen have fit with what I've needed to hear, I've realized that "Outlander" fits the theme as well: an adventuring young lady in unknown lands, forging her way through the most chaotic conditions alongside strangers who become companions. It seems to be what I'm attracted to. Maybe it's Fate urging me forward onto this path I've stumbled upon, telling me, "IT'S RIGHT! GO! DO IT! NOW!" At this point, I'm all too eager to relent...Alright Fate, give me what you got!