Summer came and went and I never ended up going.
Fast forward to January 2015 when I went to for breakfast in Airdrie at EggOasis and there on the wall was a painted a beautiful picture of Peyto Lake. I recognized it immediately. Again I had the urge to go there that moment. But I didn't. During reading week a friend and I were planning on going, but it never came to form.
This past week I was reading an article about the nicest lakes in Alberta (http://www.tentree.com/blog/10-incredible-lakes-alberta/). There I saw... You guessed it... #7) Peyto Lake. After I read the "10 Incredible Alberta Lakes" article, there was a blurb about the author. Brooke Willson was a young woman who loved people, traveling, and adventure. She was an athlete, had her degree in Social Work, spent her free time exploring the world, and shared her expeditions through photos and blogging. This adventurous and determined woman inspired me.
Why did this lake keep popping up? Why did I want to go so bad, but hadn't? Why did I keep trying to get different people to go with me when they would just end up cancelling? Why, why, why?
So that's when I decided I was going to Peyto Lake. On my own. I wasn't going to wait around any longer for someone to join me or affirm that this was an idea worth following through on. I wanted to do it, so I was going to do it. If I plan on getting my Global Degree (a degree that is achieved by travelling to every nation in the world), I am going to have to get used to being on my own or else I will never get anywhere.
And what better day to go on this adventure than on International Women's Day.
This morning I packed my backpack with my camera, journal, a sandwich, and a water bottle. My dog, Bacon, jumped in my car to co-pilot and we headed out with a full tank and an empty memory card.
Somewhere between Banff and Lake Louise I took the wrong exit that lead me through an amazing mountainous valley to B.C. Oops. Checked my phone... No service. No worries. Made a U-Turn and righted my path. An hour and 100 mountain photos later, I'm rolling into the Bow Summit parking lot. Bacon is eager to get moving and stretch his legs. The walk it somewhat difficult due to the fact that the snow is deep and more cross-country skiing/snowshoeing appropriate. Thankfully it is short and we make it to the look out point in no time.
Bacon and I spent the afternoon exploring different trails and doing our best not to get lost. And it was great! Just the two of us surrounded by trees and mountains, digging our way out of the snow holes we fell into.
No, I wasn't exactly "alone." But this little adventure just assured me of what I am capable of.
To me Peyto Lake wasn't just another amazing view or hike. It was a step towards independence and becoming the woman I want to be. (I may have found more symbolism in this adventure than most people... But I don't get out much).
Sometimes I might take the wrong turn and get lost, but I can find my way back. I may stumble and fall, but I am able to stand up and try again. I may feel lonely and start talking to myself, but I can meet new friends and most importantly, I have God walking along side me and guiding my steps.
Am I scared to begin my Global Degree? Hell yes!
Is that going to stop me? Hell no!
Don't let your fears or insecurities hold you back from pursuing your dreams.
If you want something, go and get it! If someone tries to talk you out of it, forget them!
Follow your heart. Be the person you want to be.
If you expect great things for your life, that is what you're going to get.
Now I just have to start practicing what I preach.
