Feelings of fear are not new to me. I get them each time I put myself out there. Everyone does. Our self doubt monster comes out in full force to tell us all the reasons we can’t.
The first time I went backpacking my ‘self doubt monster’ was hanging around in full force. It had me convinced I would fall behind my friends and make them have a horrible day due to being so slow. It had me convinced I would leave jerky in my sleeping bag and get myself and my hiking partners mauled by a bear. It had me convinced I wouldn’t bear hang my food properly and I would then have to starve for multiple days.
But then I told my self doubt monster to SHUT THE HELL UP.
I quieted my mind.
And I started listen to the positive messages out there telling me to “GO FOR IT RACH, YOU GOT THIS!"
And I did it. I learned a few things my first time, but I did it.
Here are a few things I learned that might help the first time backpacker.
1. You need less stuff then you think. There are 2,200 steps in every mile. It doesn’t take very long for a couple extra pounds to feel uncomfortable once you hit the trail.
2. Don’t ignore the Weather. Weather in unpredictable. And it is okay to say it is time to turn back. Weather can go from unpleasant to treacherous faster then you think.
3. Little Hotties Hand Warmers are amazing: It got pretty cold one night so I slept with a few of these, it made the night so much more comfortable.
4. My body doesn’t digest Mountain House Meals very well. I had never had one before this trip, I wish I would of sampled them before I had left. I have backpacked with them since, but I make sure to alternate with other foods.
5. I personally like a clean pair of socks. I found I don’t mind re-wearing a shirt, but my socks need to be clean.
The best moments happen when we quiet our self doubt monster and push ourselves to get outside of our comfort zones. Sometimes that means trying an activity for the first time, or it might mean trying for your longest cross country run, or climbing your steepest peak yet.
I think when we slow down and listen there are so many areas to receive these positive encouraging messages. Today I was reminded that is what this community is about. Outsiety is built with a community of women that love on each other, life each other up, and encourage each other.
And when you look closer you can see that the entire outdoor community is starting to open its heart and mind in this same manner to women. This week I found an example when REI launched its “Force of Nature” campaign. It is all based around us, women, getting outside and being rad. A big corporate company is blasting out that same message. Pretty cool.
So whatever is on your list this summer to tackle. Quiet your self doubt. Listen to the pulse of the world around you. It is saying: GO FOR IT, YOU GOT THIS.
Post by Rachel Seed, Outsiety BadAssador