After swim lessons this morning, I suggested a walk. Without plan or expectation our saunter turned into a hike.
My daughters motored up the switchbacks and I was reminded of how grown and capable they are. Ruby whined only once that she was exhausted and, as always, it was about 12 steps into our walk. And, as always, her recovery came as quickly as her agony had set in.
At the fourth switchback, Margot announced the people below us were surely evil pirates trying to get our treasure and that we best hurry to the M. The hike turned into a game and they ran the rest of the way, pausing to cast spells and take nibbles of a snack. Sticks were wands, rocks were hot lava, grass seeds were fairy dust.
On yesterday’s walk I was a witch. On today’s I was simply a grownup who wasn’t allowed to pass children and had to carry the water and croissant.
We made it to the top ahead of the evil pirates, just in time to claim our treasure: two shooting star wands.
Thoughts:
1. Spontaneous adventure is a luxury. When we free ourselves from forecasting what comes next, all weather is perfect.
2. Hike in whatever shoes you’ve got. Our journey does not depend on gear.
3. Eagerly suggest to take a picture of strangers. The offer will warm their hearts and the documentation will be greatly appreciated.
4. Imagination is a powerful tool. We can flip our perspective from tired to energized, from anxious to empowered, from sad to hopeful – simply by imagining how we want to feel and creating a scenario that supports it.
5. Begin. Rest. Keep Going.
28 Comments
Sweaters and flip flops in June! So jealous!
Yeah well I, for one, am ready for tank tops and flip flops! 🙂
my little one woke up far too early this morning and this gave me the attitude adjustment i needed to make it a good day. when she wakes up from her nap, i’m strapping her in the ergo and we will go explore the botanical garden around the corner.
“Begin. Rest. Keep going.” — a fitting motto for parenthood! Thank you!
Love this: “Spontaneous adventure is a luxury. When we free ourselves from forecasting what comes next, all weather is perfect.” I think you could take this one statement and write an entire chapter on this. We always want to measure our now with what we thought it would be like. We want to see and predict what can’t be seen and in the meanwhile drive ourselves crazy trying to anyway. So wise of you to see this. To trust in and appreciate the now that is arms open to receive whatever comes our way. I really enjoy your blog and refreshing point of view. A friend in Wisconsin. 🙂
Yes! Spontenaity is a luxury. That’s why one hike/run/romp through a wheat field feels like a vacation. Just enough to renew and restore sanity. Beautiful post! You in that sweater– beauty! Miss you. xo
Funny little bit about that sweater: on the hike, a little girl summoned me down to her height so she could loud whisper I LOVE YOUR HIKING OUTFIT. IT IS SO FANCY. It was awesome. 🙂
Spontenaity is so great! We get colds spontaneously a lot around here these days so I am happy for the cold and rainy weather which seems to let my desire to go outside and run and play rest a bit. I too am looking forward to tank tops and flip flops and I think my garden is too. Although in August, I will be very happy it was so cold for so long. Anytime you want to get out of the city come for a visit and we’ll take you guys on a hike with lots of pirate, fairies, evil doers and of course super heroes…maybe some wildlife too. We love other imaginative kids and moms!
Jaim
Love that ! And needed it myself today . We have some spontaneous issues , as in they don’t happen much . Our girls are so similar in the fairy world , wands and lots of magic dust . Love it !
So glad to see your posts intermittent – Summertime is a well-earned dessert of life.
I love the commentary that imagination is a powerful tool . Reminds me of Elke’s TED Talk about your best being your worst and your worst being your best. Flipping perspective.
AND mama was in flip flops.
Nici,
You have no idea how much I needed to read this RIGHT now. We’ve been packing for a camping trip for the past 24 hours, along with packing to move house when we come back from camping, and I just realized that I packed my detailed hiking guide to Yosemite, where I had *highlighted* our hikes for the weekend, in the boxes to move with the house. So…we are heading out camping and hiking without a guide! And thanks to your post, I have faith we will do well.
Inspiring as always. Your posts a always a breath of fresh air to me. Enjoy the rest of your day.
AMEN! Because I’m such a planner, too often I shy away from spontaneity because I don’t have the right gear or snacks or whatever. But sometimes being unprepared is part of the adventure!
I love this! Hiking with my kids is one of my favorite things ever.
“We can flip our perspective from tired to energized, from anxious to empowered, from sad to hopeful – simply by imagining how we want to feel and creating a scenario that supports it. ” LOVE. I have been delving into the imagining part lately but the advice to create a scenario to support it is one of the “Duh/Wow!” moments!
Inspired to take a quick hike with the kids tomorrow! I always feel like I need to pack for an Everest expedition (I have 3 under 6), so adventures are fewer and farer (?) between than I’d like to admit…
Jeez that trail is steep! It must have a huge elevation gain. Kids are like the energizer bunny.
This put a BIG smile only face! Déjà vu of hikes to the “M” with you and Trav….love your energy and how/who it affects…..xoxo Mom
Yes! Thanks!
Begin. Rest. Keep going.
I love this, but sometimes it is the hardest for me to begin…. a good reminder to just do it, and not think about it. I would guess, experience makes this easier. Missing hiking and getting out spontaneously. With Lucy 3 this year, I think this might be our summer for hiking! xo
oh I love this!
Sorry for the unrelated comment but I noticed I hadn’t seen anything on your instagram lately so I went to have a peek and it just says “no photos or videos yet” for some reason! Just wanted to let you know that there might be a glitch or something amiss! (Or maybe it’s my account?) I’ve been reading your blog since Ruby was teeny, I miss your awesome insta-stuff!
I’m still on instagram and haven’t left! I’m at @digthischick. 🙂
Weird! Still says “no photos or videos yet” on your account when I check it! My account must be all wiggy. Thanks for writing back though – I’ll maybe email Instagram to see what’s up
You know what, I haven’t commented in years, but read every week, so I want to also add that since I started reading your blog years ago, you’ve been such a big inspiration to me – now I’ve got a four month old of my own, and started my own sewing business here in Ontario a few years back. I owe you and your writing so much!
🙂
“When we free ourselves from forecasting what comes next, all weather is perfect.”
Oh Nici, how your words always speak so perfectly to the anxious part of my heart. Thank you.
big smiles.
Nici, I love the life you have created for your beautiful family. Thank you for letting us share it!