The magic of mountains

Salkantay Mountain, Peru. September 2017.

The first time I saw this view, I knew I'd be okay.

I did my first trek primarily for one reason: to find peace.

I was supposed to go with a group of friends but plans fell through. During a time in my life when I needed salvation, I knew I had to climb those mountains regardless of who else was going.

I found a trekking family in a Brazilian couple and Peruvian guide.

I found the beginning of peace, too.

I wasn't suddenly, magically healed. But I remembered what it felt like to be scared of something and do it anyway. I was reminded that there are moments that take really do take your breath away; and that experiencing them without a significant other doesn't make the moments any less significant.

I learned that you can be both broken and whole. That you don't have to believe in a higher being to feel connected to something bigger than yourself.

I leaned in to the tears, grinned like a fool, second-guessed life decisions. And all the while, I gazed at those mountains, knowing I was experiencing their magic, one step at a time.