Hunter Week Five

 Making The Best Out of Bad Situations

    Here we are, February 2021, still fighting the pandemic. As I look back on the photos taken on March 13th, 2020, I can hardly recognize the girl within them. Though I have the same skin and music taste, I have rearranged every aspect of my life. Remaining in the same four walls, alone will do that to you. 

    Fortunately, I have had it better than most, seeing as though I have only lost one distant family member and my immediate family has not had any exposure scares. Millions have died, lost their jobs, dealt with horrible mental health conditions, missed their last year of high school/college, etc. 

    I, along with many of you, am using this extra time and lonesomeness to my advantage. I began isolation sleeping until 2 pm, watching Glee for the 17th time (not an exaggeration), and dwelling on the things COVID has taken away. I don’t know why, when, or how, but the determination to achieve personal growth began to magnify within me.

    Life doesn't stop because of a pandemic, it just (safely) alters. Luckily, hiking is one of my favorite things to do. The gift of free time and the ability to maintain social distance within the activity led me to become obsessive. Though that word sometimes has a negative connotation, that is not the case. Reconnecting with nature helps me embrace my truest self as well as keep me grounded. I did not know then but realizing this connection let me overcome losing myself. 

    My dad and I share the need for adventure within the outdoors, so getting out was not an issue. Because all of our summer plans fell through, we went on a road trip spent strictly outside. On a whim, my dad and I tested negative for COVID, and drove to Bar Harbor, Maine (Acadia National Park) at 7 am the next morning. My favorite song, "Gypsy” by Fleetwood Mac, was on repeat as we glided down the coastal highway. We had a wonderful time, and more importantly, we did it safely. Activities such as hiking, camping, sunset chasing, and sleeping on the beach remind me that you can find happiness anywhere. 

    Our adventure led me to return home with a mindset full of productivity and optimism. There is no more sleeping all day out of boredom, or complaining about everything I cannot do. Instead, I try to work around the circumstances given. Doing so has surprisingly changed my life, considering the situation in which my high school years have occurred. I feel like myself when I am in the midst of a forest, and I feel so grateful to have had that realization. Going to Maine during this time of crisis taught me how to make the best out of a bad situation. Oh, and also, nature cures boredom, so go outside!

Sunrise from Cadillac Mountian!

 

A photo from the Eagle Lake trail!