Embracing a Well-Earned Break After an Epic Outdoor Adventure

After spending 13 out of the last 21 days sleeping under the stars, pushing the limits of adventure, and burning the candle at both ends, this photo perfectly captures my mixed feelings about not heading into the backcountry this weekend. This weekend, I did something that’s incredibly rare for me—I said no. I turned down what would have been another epic adventure, surrounded by awe, friends, and the raw beauty of nature. For someone who almost never says no to things that scream HELL YES, this was a big deal. After a whirlwind journey across Washington, from canyon rendezvous to hosting my own mini rondy’s, to kayaking the North Cascades for nearly a week, I’m feeling a rare sense of satisfaction. I’m good and tired, and for once, I’m actually looking forward to focusing on work, getting organized, making some damn good non-dehydrated meals, and enjoying some quality lake time at home. This is what enough feels like. It’s that full, happy-belly moment where you say, “No more for now.” I’ve done so much this year, and maturity—real maturity—is about finding the edges of that map of enough, delighting in what you’ve achieved, and building in some downtime to reflect on it all with gratitude. I’m full. I’m happy. I’m tired. The outdoors have given me “enough” for this weekend, and now it’s time to take a well-earned break.