I haven’t always been an outdoor girl. I grew up in Houston, so my summers mostly involved air-conditioning, television, and occasionally the neighborhood pool to escape the intense heat and humidity. Any other outdoor activities would have simply been unbearable.
About 12 summers ago, I moved to southern California and my world changed. As I was exploring my new neighborhood from the comfort of my car I witnessed a miraculous thing: dozens of people outside…running, hiking, biking…in Hollywood! I followed them, wondering where they were headed. Then I got my first glimpse of Runyon Canyon, peeking out from behind a row of apartments. I’d found nature, full of trees and rocks and hikers, in my neighborhood.
Of course I knew the weather here was great, but I’d never experienced such an outdoor culture. I’m not just talking about the beach. Mountains and trails wind through neighborhoods all across the city (and btw, mountain bikers are hot).
And so for the very first time, I went hiking.
I was instantly hooked. I’d never lived in a place with mountains. It was more than the payoff of the views once I reached the peak; there was something inspiring about walking uphill for three miles, sweating and huffing, that moved me. Despite the stress of looking for a job or figuring out how to pay all my bills…here in the mountains I could get lost. There was no noise from traffic. I witnessed the landscape change from spring to fall (there are seasons in L.A.). I discovered that when I hike, I live in the moment. I’m free in a way that I can’t be anywhere else.
Now, I make it a point to find new places to hike, since it has become such an integral part of my life. You see, hiking allows me to clear my mind, to appreciate what’s around me, and to pay attention. It allows me to be still. It inspires me to work harder, even though I’m exhausted, because there is something waiting to be discovered around the corner. There’s always something new to see.
In honor of these things that inspire us…whether it’s making music, drawing, or playing soccer, AOL wants to encourage single women to be pioneers in their own right. They’ve set up a website to allow you to post your own “inspiration boards,” chronicling all the things that represent you and what you aspire to become, and to express your individuality.
If you participate and engage with the site, you’re entered for a chance to win a $50 gift card weekly, and all participants are entered for a chance to win the Grand Prize, a $4500 gift card. You can also share with your Facebook friends.
Enjoy, and do what inspires you…
This post is sponsored by Jeep Legendary Life by AOL.
About Kelly Seal
Kelly is a freelance writer based in Los Angeles, CA. She blogs about dating, relationships, personal growth and what "healthy living" means to her. You can follow her on Google+, Twitter @kellyseal or through her website www.kellyseal.com.
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