In Cheryl Strayed's profoundly moving memoir, "Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail," we are invited on a journey that transcends the mere act of hiking through rugged terrain. This book, which has resonated deeply with me, is not just about a woman who decides to hike over a thousand miles alone; it's a powerful narrative about the human spirit, resilience, and the quest for self-discovery.
Strayed's journey is a vivid testament to the power of will, persistence, and perseverance. Her story is not unique in its challenges and hardships but in how she chooses to confront them. It's a reminder that often, we look outside ourselves for solutions, for something or someone to "fix" us. Yet, Strayed's journey illustrates a profound truth: the strength we seek externally resides within us all along. She undertook an epic journey believing that the act of walking in the wilderness would free her from what was holding her back. She felt that she needed to prove her strength through this test. I often feel this way as well, but what I learned from Wild was that I don’t have to put myself into impossible situations to find my strength, I can decide to believe in the strength that I have, and tap into it when I need it.
The wilderness, with its unyielding and raw beauty, acts as a mirror to Strayed's soul, reflecting back not just her fears and vulnerabilities but also her indomitable strength and courage. It's a powerful metaphor for the personal wilderness we all must navigate. Just as Strayed found herself by getting lost in the vast expanses of nature, we too are called to explore our inner landscapes, to embark on our own journeys of self-discovery. For those of us inspired by Strayed's narrative, the lesson is clear: our "wilderness" might not be a literal trail or a remote expanse of nature. It could be any challenge or situation that pushes us out of our comfort zones, forcing us to confront our fears, insecurities, and the parts of ourselves we've long ignored or forgotten.
Reading this I wondered if I had the strength that Strayed displayed. I ponder on the old adage that God will only give you what you can handle, and since I’ve lived a golden life, wondered if that meant that I could not handle more. Reading Wild helped me to understand that strength isn’t a contest to see who has overcome the most, but about facing my doubts and uncertainties and moving forward anyway. This memoir serves as a beacon for anyone feeling adrift, reminding us that the path to finding ourselves often begins with getting lost. It encourages us to embrace our struggles, to face our inner demons, and to acknowledge that the journey to self-discovery is fraught with obstacles. But more importantly, it assures us that on the other side of hardship is a profound sense of self-awareness and empowerment. The definition of hardship is personal, and comparison will rob me of my strength and courage.
As we navigate the complexities of life, let "Wild" inspire us to seek our own wilderness, be it through travel, embracing new experiences, or simply taking the time to introspect. The journey might be daunting, but it is within this "wilderness" that we find our true selves, our resilience, and our innate power to overcome. In the end, Strayed's memoir is more than just a story about hiking; it's a resonant narrative about human capacity for endurance, the transformative power of nature, and the eternal quest for self-realization. It serves as a reminder that sometimes, to find ourselves, we must first dare to get lost.
Travel is an excellent way to discover something new about yourself or reinforce your strength and tenacity! Book a free discovery call with me to start your journey into the “wilderness!”
No comments:
Post a Comment