Exhaustion is a state of circumstance

In the beginning of the year I had the bright idea to fill my calendar. At the time it sounded like a smart thing to do business-wise. After all, how am I going to sell books if I don't do events? That's one of the drawbacks of being an indie-author - one must shamelessly self-promote.

Between family functions, holidays, and book events, we have had very few weekends off. I am a go-go-go until I drop kind of gal. But as my age climbs higher, my energy levels don't propel me as far even though my brain says, "Sure, you can do that."

Since the end of June we have had commitments every weekend and the next two are full also. This past Saturday evening after a fantastic 40th high school class reunion that I helped organized, I was so exhausted I needed help removing my sandals. As Bruce was kindly slipping them off my feet - about 8:45pm - the family room door opened and in walked our friend, Tom.

Yes, we knew he was coming. The previous weekend at another event with him, we scheduled a day hike - because I just couldn't imagine a day off. But as I sat there on the stool, exhausted from several weeks of planning, attending, and hosting a variety of functions, a rush of enthusiasm brought me back to life when I saw Tom.

Sure, Tom is amazing and so much fun to be around, but my energy burst was because seeing him reminded me that we were going hiking the next day. Even though I was ready for bed and to sleep for a week, I really just needed of a break from work. I may not hold a 9-5 regular job, but have no mistake, being a homemaker, self-employeed struggling author/artist is tiring mentally and physically. So, with activities completed for that week, seeing Tom switched my gears to vacation mode and I was ready.

This would be Bruce's and my first hike since coming back from Trail Days in Virginia in May. This would also be Tom's first hike in over 20 years. Earlier in the week when planning where to go, Bruce was all amped up to do some fairly rugged stuff. He effortlessly maintains a great base-level fitness. Me, I am a yo-yo and Tom, while active, hadn't done any adventures in years. I gently grabbed hubby by the face and said, "We are doing Blueberry Ledges and if that goes well, we will continue to The Birches campsite! I know that trail, it's easy and it will be a great warmup." That settled it and he agreed.

Here is a photo dump of our hike.

Before going to bed after our hike, I texted my hiking buddy, Stacey knowing she would understand how I had felt. I had been so worn-out from weeks of stuff, but had no problem finding the energy to do a 9 mile hike. Her text back to me was perfect, "I'm never too tired for a hike. 🤣 It regenerates my soul." She couldn't have said it better. Hiking does regenerate my soul and when my soul is filled everything else falls into place.

Exhaustion is a state of circumstance. Please take this statement with a grain of salt. I am not talking about the horrible ailments, diseases, and tragedies that can plague us. I am just talking about the daily grind of life - work, commitments, and other stuff - that drains us. When we get to the point we don't think we can go on, we just need a change of scenery. There is a reason even God rested on the 7th day.

We need time to relax and see all that is good. We need time to unplug from life's every day stresses. We need time to heal from emotional and physical wounds. We need time to decompress. It's important to find an activity that creates that escape. Some like to read a book curled up on the couch. Some like to plan fancy get-aways. Others like to do nothing. I like to go hiking.

I hope if you are in need of some down time, you will make time for it. Even if it is just a quiet corner in your own home looking at a piece of art or reading a good book. Ah, by the way, I can provide both of those things for you. Seriously though, take time to regenerate so you can continue to go-go-go.

Happy Hiking,

Emily 🌼

Blueberry Ledges is a blue-blazed trail in Baxter State Park, Maine. We accessed it off the Gold Road outside of Millinocket. Yes, the blueberries were ripe. At the peak, there is access to a stream perfect for swimming and sliding on the smooth ledge. If you continue, the trail brings you to a campsite close to Katahdin Stream Campground in Baxter State Park called the Birches reserved for thru-hikers. The out and back was almost 9 miles long and very easy to the Ledges with a moderate incline. From the Ledges to the Birches the trail was gentle for the most part with a few slight inclines, rock steps, scattered rocky, rooty areas, as well as some mud thrown in to make it fun.