"Belonging so fully to yourself that you're willing to stand alone in a wilderness - an untamed unpredictable place of solitude and searching. It is a place as dangerous as it is breathtaking and as sought after as it is feared. The wilderness can often feel unholy because we can't control it, or what people think of our choice of whether to venture into that vastness or not. But it turns out to be the place of true belonging and is the bravest and most sacred place you will ever stand." - Brené Brown
I'm reading Brené Brown's book Braving the Wilderness, and I absolutely LOVE this quote from her. I am out in my vast wilderness, and it is slowly becoming one of the bravest and most sacred places. I haven't been on the road long, but I have already learned a few things. Some are very valuable... one could say life-saving things, and others are just noteworthy bits of information.
1. Bison hanging out with horses in a field are NOT part of the farm family, AND they can/will jump wooden fences!
I've mentioned this before, but it's worth repeating. This is the life-saving thing I learned! I have dedicated an entire blog post to this life lesson!
2. A directionally challenged person who doesn't know her north from the south can navigate the world independently. 🌍
I'm not going to lie, I don't think I would have left the driveway without the help of technology, but I have had to figure some things out along the way. Some days I confuse my GPS, and she doesn't know where I am. On other days, I wander unknown territory without a signal or GPS. I keep driving, hoping for at least one bar to show up on my phone to save me. We have traveled over 3,000 miles with only minor bumps and bruises, so I call that a win!
3. The Teton Mountains are LEGIT to cross, but Fern and I can do hard things!
We faced our fears, and now other mountains may seem intimidating, but we've already crossed a vast mountain, so we're not afraid.. too much!
4. If I lock my car door before getting gas, the gas door won't open.
It doesn't matter how many times I push on it. I'm embarrassed to admit it took me 15 minutes to figure this one out 🤦♀️
5. I can survive having every vehicle on the road pass me
It won't kill me; it only hurts my pride. Now I roll with it, pull over, and let everyone pass us. Sometimes when I'm not pulling Fern, I forget and drive in the slow lane until I realize what I'm doing. lol
6. I CAN back Fern into a campsite all by myself!
We were in Bozeman, Montana, when I backed her in for the first time. I've done it twice since. I can't say they all went as well as the first time; mission accomplished. My neighbors are always so kind and guide me when I need assistance.
8. Seeing so much natural beauty all day, every day, can be overwhelming to the senses. There are days I must decompress because I can't take in any more. I have to process what I've already seen before I move forward. More on this later.
9. Cold showers can be refreshing... Yeah, no!
But I appreciate a hot shower and a showerhead mounted above my head more than I ever did. I am navigating the public shower/bathroom thing well. A private toilet and showers have become a luxury in my world, lol.
10. Strangers can be the most friendly people in the world and even become new friends. They can also be a little stalker(ish) at times. More on that later. I have met many incredible people along my journey, and everyone loves Fern!
11. I am braver than ever in the beautiful, vast world Fern and I are exploring, and this trip is already changing my life!
Being brave doesn't mean the absence of fear but having a healthy respect for it, feeling it, and facing it. My new friend Betsy reminded me that this is courage.
Stay Wild 🌿
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