September 1, 2016
OK. I admit it. I am a perfectionist, at least when it comes to talking about myself. I have been on the Appalachian Trail again since August 9 and I have been too shy to share.
When John and I resumed our walk where we left off on July 6, I wasn’t sure how far I would walk, and that was hard for me to feel, even harder to admit to you!
Both my physical energy and my emotional energy were low. I had had clear symptoms of Lyme Disease. In addition, I believed that all the posting and reaching out I had done on our first section was bothering John. So, I wanted to be invisible and just walk for myself. I wanted to test out my Lyme treatment and sort through my relationship.
Ta dah! I did! And, it all worked out! On July 25, after a week of fatigue, fever, headache, and then the classic bullseye rash, I started a two-week course of doxycycline and a month’s regimen of herbal supplements. Another week of rest while visiting my mom in OH precluded our return to the trail.
Four days into the walk, I actually felt great! My energy was good. All my symptoms were gone.
My relationship challenges continued, though, and I kept writing stories (in my private journal) of doubt that I could truly express myself while in a relationship. Grateful to have the tools of Radical Forgiveness – The Thirteen Steps and Forgivenesswalks – Nonsenses Energy Balancing – I claimed my own story and let John off the hook for my own doubts. And I walked! 290 miles from Delaware Water Gap to Manchester Center, VT!
Now, we’ve just picked up the last of our five food maildrops, ready to set out for our last 52 miles. At Killington, VT, we will both have walked every one of the 2,189 miles of the Appalachian Trail – twice!
I’m ready to share about that, and want you cheering us on, asking questions, and reflecting on your own journey right along with me.
So, I’ll do my best to post throughout the week, with our completion goal of Sunday, September 4, in sight. Please keep reading – and replying with your own stories. I want to feel your energy along my way!
Oh, and what really makes me want to share is that I now own one of those swanky cool down jackets that all the official hikers wear. I bought one on sale today at EMS in Manchester Center. Get a load of this! I mean really, after 11,000 miles of backpacking, I’ve got a lightweight, skinny down jacket.
Thanks for being here!
In joy,
Regina
