There is something magical about the simplicity of a trail and the purpose we give it, the value it holds for us, and the power it offers to bring our souls back home. My whole life, it feels like, has been one endless trail of physical exercise and personal truth-seeking, healing my senses and putting scattered thoughts back in order. Fresh air, sunshine, and a trail will not only help create a healthy sense of perspective but also extend an automatic dose of carefreeness and clarity. The simplest things in life, nature and one’s own company, bring about an unpolluted stillness, the purest forms of joy, and some of the greatest, most humbling teachings life has to offer without even trying. It’s exactly this all-inclusive, sure-fire package of aliveness, continued physical challenges, and content accomplishment I chase each time I embark on another little journey with and back to myself. What is now mostly hiking used to be long-distance running or, before that, almost daily trail rides on horseback for over a decade during my tween and teenage years. But it’s also every walk with the dogs, every quick run in the park, every bike ride, and every school pick-up on foot in between. It’s this sense of onward motion that shapes my days and restores my sanity. Chasing horizons is my idea of peace and also the reason why I enjoy road trips so much. It’s always about the next destination and valuable experiences made along the way. As unique as my own fingerprint, my life’s trail map spans a whole lot of miles and places on this Earth, full of beautiful lines of movement forward but back to my own truth.

In essence, the trail is privilege and gratitude. The privilege of time, resources, and sheer physical ability are gifts I don’t take for granted one bit. For as long as my body allows me to chase those trails, that’s exactly where you’ll find me: somewhere in the middle of nowhere, an incredibly happy, tiny blue dot weaving more lines onto its life’s adventure map. Scaling inclines, jumping rocks, carrying supplies, running long and far while keeping pace, galloping at full speed on horseback with arms stretched wide, and braving the elements all create this sense of hyperawareness that has me fine-tuned to my heartbeat – yet, it is the quiet, more mellow moments, the breaks among breathtaking views, and the aching muscles at the end of the day that bring about a sense of gratitude that settles deep within the soul and silently whispers, “let’s do this again soon!” There’s beauty in the struggle of testing one’s abilities, in this immense sense of independence, and in an unfiltered dose of nature. The trail humbles and empowers, inspires and soothes, and at the end of it lies nothing but gratitude.

I’ve touched on this a few times in my blog posts, but nature is and always has been a vital part of my life. Nature is my escape, never-ending awe, and immensely invaluable serenity. Cheap therapy, really. And while the trail is mostly a solitary, quiet concept to me, it doesn’t instill fear. Only respect. I always feel right at home “out there,” as hippie-ish as this might sound now. In nature, I find instant belonging. It’s a judgment-free zone where I can simply breathe – no demands, no obligations, no expectations. Pure peace of mind and delight. Add physical activity, and it’s an absolute win-win in my book. What nature and trails are for me, might be the gym or track for you. Church. Your garden or art studio, maybe. A dance floor or your childhood home. Any place that restores your life’s equilibrium and brings out the best in us, where we immediately take a satisfying breath, where we feel fulfilled. It’s something to never lose sight of. The simplest things in life often hold the deepest meaning. Nature is my ‘deep and simple.’ My grace.

The trail is not everyone’s cup of tea, but it is my safe place. If you’re out there on the trail with me, know that I love and appreciate you very much. You’re not just experiencing my idea of peace with me, you are in fact part of what brings me peace in life, and thus, the trail is immediately made more special because you are there with me. Whether it’s childlike perspectives, physical motivation, silly fun, or comfortable silence, it’s a welcome change to my solo-trekking. Oftentimes, the finest conversations happen on the trail. The most satisfying meals are shared after a proper hike. Magnificent landscapes more magnificent when appreciated together. Car rides to and from the trail epic. A killer running pace even better with a celebratory fist bump. The trail is not always about solitude but simply the right company. The right support. So, you see, even my life’s trail map is decorated with the power of love and friendship and the tranquility both bring to the table. While I try my best to make everyone around me feel seen, I’m a girl with a small inner circle – and definitely an even smaller trail circle. I’m always big on protecting my peace, even out there. The people who are all-in in my life get to see the Julia the trail sees, the real deal, the person they know and the one the trail has helped shape. The trail is nothing but a reflection of us and the life we proudly lead.

So, to all the trails I’ve loved, this is my ode to you. May you never cease to amaze.