Why I'm hiking the PCT

Simply put, I'm hiking the PCT because I really, really WANT to. I had the chance over the winter to indulge in myself and get in touch with what I truly want, without distractions of school or work. Last fall I found myself a bit depressed; I slowly realized this was because I had tacit expectations for what I would have achieved by age 30 (life partner, permanent job, savings for a house), and I hadn't achieved them. Once I was able to acknowledge and let go of these expectations, I could see what I actually wanted to do with myself instead of what I thought I should do with myself.

It quickly became clear that I really want to hike the trail. It's always been a dream of mine, but somewhat out of reach. I suddenly found myself with the opportunity to do it: few commitments (i.e., no job, no lease, no partner, no kids), enough cash, the motivation. I had been listening to a podcast, Sounds of the Trail, in which thru-hikers interview thru-hikers. Hearing their stories gave me confidence that I could, in fact, be one of them. I turned down a fantastic job opportunity, bought my flight, and cemented the decision. It was an opportunity to exercise a recent new mantra: make a decision and go forth with it 100%. Minimize the second-guessing and the self-doubt and embrace it!

So, here we go! It's wonderful to feel so happy about the decision. And I AM SO EXCITED!!!!!! Sometimes I just want to explode. I'm going to thru-hike the PCT! It's going to be so hard, and so amazing, and so everything. Let's f***ing go!!