Thank you for your message! I will be in touch with you soon.

Sorry, there was an error submitting your form, please try again or use the email link if the problem persists.

The Little Things – The Kindness of Strangers

Two years ago today, I finished my hike of the Appalachian Trail. It was a seven-month long journey from Georgia to Maine with twelve states in between. It was hard at times. It was fun at times. But all the time I was amazed at the many people who came together to help us hikers out along the trail. People who went out of their way to drop off leftover meals to a trailhead. People who hiked a couple of miles with their kids a few times each week just to drop off a cache of water where the springs weren’t reliable. People who gave hikers rides to town. People who opened their homes, kitchens, and laundry rooms to provide us with a little comfort. Strangers who sent me post cards in the mail. Strangers who I still talk to via email that cheered me on. Strangers. Complete strangers.

Today I wanted to reflect on these people. They were the only way I ever could have completed my goal – my dream – of hiking that trail. Without the kindness of all of these people I had never met, I’d probably still be walking around in circles somewhere in Atlanta before I ever stepped foot in the woods!

Sometimes I forget how important it can be to take a minute and help someone else out. Today, I wanted to remind myself to remember. A little time, a little action, a little thing, can go a long way. If you put a bunch of little actions together, it go even further. More than 2,000 miles.

appalachian trail photography

Fuzzy - Well said...ooo aaaaOctober 5, 2009 - 8:57 pm

~Ronin - Ditto!October 5, 2009 - 9:06 pm

Sean - Brilliant reflections! Our natural state is most certainly one of joy, appreciation & wellness - and it's always a wonderful experience to feel that in so many others as well!October 6, 2009 - 4:26 am

Rocket - Persistent, you were once that stranger for me!!! Way to make it full circle. I love your blog.October 6, 2009 - 11:32 am

Storm - Thanks for paying it forward and being that stranger for us! You rock!October 6, 2009 - 3:41 pm

Danielle - STILL in awe of your journey!!...and all the wonderful life lessons were just a bonus.October 7, 2009 - 8:54 am

sheri - Persie -- YOU have inspired sooo many. You and Certain are the reason I will not give up on my dream of a thru hike! I know YOU are not giving up on me! Thank you, again, (and again) for sharing your 7 month journey so honestly and diligently! And --- I'm so glad we can still follow you here on your, most excellent, photo blog! Very nice!October 7, 2009 - 9:57 pm

sheri - Persistent -- oh another thing--- 1st, great pic of "the sign". I thought of this a few weeks back when I saw Storm and Rocket's summit pics - and then again when I just saw your closeup - is it possible that there is a new sign or is it newly painted? Look at the great closeup of your pic and look at Rocket's and Storm's. Whatdaya think?October 7, 2009 - 10:15 pm

Nicole Haley - Thanks all for the nice comments. And, Sheri, yes, they swapped out the sign this year! It looks so fresh for the 2009 folks!October 11, 2009 - 6:34 pm

Shyla - I am so proud of you woman! A little sad that they swapped out the sign though.... wonder what they did with the old one? You are my new heroine by the way... what a beautiful (albeit 7 month) experience to partake in!October 12, 2009 - 9:40 am

Shyla - OHH, what was your trail name?? :)October 12, 2009 - 9:42 am

Your email is never published or shared. Required fields are marked *

*

*