Last Thursday was my last day with the nonprofit I've worked for for over 2.5 years. The past week has been a time of reflection, thinking about the future, and hope for brighter employment to come.
Luckily, all of this emo reflection took place on a very well-timed family vacation. Last week, my parents and I packed up to head to Lake Nantahala, NC, to meet most of my dad's side of the family for a week-long stay in the hills of Western North Carolina.
I woke every morning, around 7am, to this sight
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| Lake Nantahala, in Topton, NC |
and retired each evening after watching the sun set over Lake Nantahala
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| Sunset on Lake Nantahala |
Each day, I was able to hike, kayak, walk, or swim
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| Myself and my mom and dad on the Forney Creek Trail, near Clingman's Dome |
Hiked on the Appalachian Trail for the first time ever!
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| Tellico Gap |
I saw amazing views
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| The view from the firetower at the top of Wesser Bald on the AT |
Got to spend much needed and well-appreciated time with my family
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| me and my dad at the top of Wesser Bald! |
Even got to see a few sights!
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| The Biltmore House in Asheville, NC |
Gardens, of course, were involved
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| Gardens @ Biltmore |
somehow snuck in a Farmers Market visit
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| Western North Carolina Farmers Market in Asheville, NC |
Check Great Smoky Mountains National Park off of my list!
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| What a nice Visitors Ctr! |
Highest point in the Smokies
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| Clingman's Dome- 6,642 ft. |
Even fit in a (Historic) farm visit
more mountain views
It was amazing to spend time for relaxation and just being. I was able to truly appreciate the muscles and fitness level I've cultivated over the last year. That's the true value of the nearly-30 lbs I've lost. It's not really the number on the scale, or even the # on the side of the weights I lift:
My success was evident every day on my vacation.
Kayaking for a hour without tiring.
Hiking 13.4 miles in one afternoon on the Appalachian Trail and keeping up with my dad and my cousin, both inspirational outdoorsy-types.
Spontaneous breaking into a trail run because I felt like running.
Walking the Clingman's Dome trail like it was no big deal (it's a damn steep little trail to the top!)
When people ask about my weight loss and my new "trim figure" (their words, not mine!), these are the accomplishments that truly indicate the lifestyle change I've achieved.
They are both the proof of and the reward for my hard work.
They are both the proof of and the reward for my hard work.
I can tell how good you feel just by reading this. Great job on the 30# loss! That's fantastic. I loved looking at your vacation pictures. I would love to hike and camp in the Smokies and visit Biltmore too. Actually, I was just telling someone that is doing a road trip that he needs to do both of those things! LOL Crazy to read this now too... it's a sign to get my butt in gear and start planning!
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