Why not stand out?

I was out hiking by myself this morning.  I usually hike with others but I wanted quiet, to do some thinking, so I set out shortly after dawn to one of my favorite canyons, which is near my home. The weather was perfect, the trail was spectacular, not too crowded and there were just enough other hikers on the trail that I knew if I were to get hurt, someone would find me and be able to go for help (yes, I'm clumsy, so that was a possibility floating around in the back of my mind and I did fall, on my behind, in the water once, but didn't get hurt). It was a long hike and I forgot my Fitbit, so after about two hours of pursuing my goal (about 6 miles in) I stopped and decided to turn around; I had some commitments later on in the day and I wanted to make sure I was back in time to keep my appointments.

As I was hiking, I acknowledged other hikers by wishing them a good morning and stepping aside to let them pass on narrow portions of the trail. They did the same for me. We smiled and nodded; everyone I met seemed to be in a good mood, enjoying the outdoors, the sunshine, and the exercise. 

When I was about half-way back to the trail head I heard a man talking quite loudly to his companion. As I came around the corner I saw a young man (maybe 22) with an older gentleman (possibly in his mid 50s). When the older gentleman saw me, he immediately hailed me and began to tell me that this was his first hike. I remarked that I thought that was quite ambitious as the trail was long and somewhat difficult. He looked at his companion and said, "See I told you." We all chuckled and he proceeded to ask me if it was my first time too. I responded that no, I had hiked many trails and considered myself an avid hiker. he proceeded to ask me what other hikes I had done and I explained that I  had hiked all over Utah and had recently been to Nepal to hike in the Himalaya. His companion (who I learned was his nephew) was quite astonished by this and began to ask me questions about that adventure.  It was quite an interesting discussion and I came away smiling and reliving all of my best hikes in my mind.

As I continued walking, the following quote came to mind, "Why are you trying so hard to fit in when you were born to stand out?" I began to contemplate my discussion with the gentlemen I had just met and how it related to this phrase. They stood out. Each time I visit Red Pines Trail, in Little Cottonwood Canyon, in the future I'm sure I will think of them and smile as I remember our heart-warming conversation. As I pondered these events I asked myself this question, "Are you trying too hard to fit in?" "Don't you want to stand out?" The answer is yes, to both questions.

This whole adventure has me thinking, "How can I make more of a difference every day?" "How can I be more engaging, thoughtful and kind?" "How do I want to be remembered?" "Will I be remembered?" I want to make a difference in as many lives as possible and I hope that if I'm remembered, it brings a smile to some one's face.  I think I'll start walking in that direction.

Aspens and daisies - beautiful!

View of the Salt Lake Valley from Red Pines Trail, Little Cottonwood Canyon

Lovely stream, Red Pines, Little Cottonwood Canyon, Utah

Wild flowers all along the trail -Red Pines, Little Cottonwood Canyon, Utah