#ForceOfNature This is My Story

Today I’m loudly cheering as #ForceOfNature launches and I proudly welcoming REI to NW Healthy Mama as a sponsor. This topic is near and dear to my heart and as always, the opinions in this post are all mine.

Today, as the #ForceOfNature REI project launches, I feel like there was never a better day to let go of complacency. All of our hearts beat for something. Pause for a moment right now and where does your mind wander? What do you care about? What do you love? Now let me ask you…..what makes you feel most alive?

It’d always been in me, since I grew up active and constantly outside, but then I had 3 babies and life was full. Things changed. Time outside became less frequent and one day, I could no longer deny it, postpartum anxiety had set it. Panic attacks were something I’d never experienced and now I was terrified to drive to Costco, in fear of having one on the road.

Then one day I woke up and I decided to start being a truth teller. I didn’t realize how many people it’d set free, including myself. I stood in my kitchen and told my sister I want to go outside and do hard things with awesome women. Never in a million years did I realize where that statement would take us and little did I know how incredibly healing it would be.

On that day I realized I wasn’t created to take the easy route. I wasn’t born to take the shortest path and I believe YOU weren’t either. I woke up to myself and to the needs in my heart. I listened to the desire for more and step by step, I conquered fears, postpartum anxiety and loneliness.

I want to feel my muscles burn and do the best I can. The easiest route is no longer appealing because I’ve caught fire of how good the feeling of accomplishment is. I’m deeply passionate about finding out what my full potential is and I’m taking my friends with me.

I am so extremely proud of the NW Healthy Mama community and this entire project reminds me so much of you all. I’ve heard MANY of your stories and I am constantly in awe of your strength, bravery, kindness and thirst for a life of meaning.
I have a few #ForceOfNature women I’d like to personally thank:

1. First, I’m thanking my sister for facilitating our hiking group with me and for not turning my idea down in the kitchen. You were HUGE in pulling me out of my funk. I love doing this with you!
2. Secondly I’d like to thank every smiley and fit older woman I’ve seen on the trails. You are beautiful inside and out and you deeply inspire me. When I grow up, I want to be like you. Here’s to hiking at 80! 
3. The gal who brought me daffodils before a recent hike. You know who you are and for 100 reasons, I am so happy to know you.
4. Forth, every gal I’ve ever hiked with. Getting away for a day isn’t easy. Thank you for joining me outside and for being fun!
5. My dear gym buddy. Life would NOT be the same without you. I am SO HAPPY you’re my friend. Love you!
6. A favorite hiking buddy that moved away last year. With this gal along, I always came home feeling so thankful for the conversations. I can’t wait to hike with you and your future daughter someday!
7. My very own incredible Mom, who is a true #ForceOfNature. Thank you for the example you’ve given me.
8. Every woman who reads this blog. It’s not easy writing after the kids are in bed or early in the morning, but for you, it’s so worth it.  Love you all!

We might not see eye to eye on everything, but it doesn’t matter. We support each other and go home stronger than when we left. Together, we are stronger.

Wear it like you mean it.

May 6 kicks off over 1,000 events designed for women. Click here to find one near you.  

Now it’s your turn to share and here are some questions to get you started!  

• What does being a strong woman mean to you?
• How are you embracing #ForceOfNature? 
• Who have your female role models been, is there anyone in particular you’d like to thank?
• How much time do you currently spend outside and how much time would you like to be spending outside?
• What is the biggest thing you’ve overcome in your life?