Embracing the Roller Coaster: A Journey of Resilience and Self-Discovery

In 2019, I ventured into the backcountry, parking my car near Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. I fought with my feet to carry me and my 40-pound pack nine miles to the David Lessor Shelter, nestled deep in the woods. This shelter, one of 260 along the Appalachian Trail (AT) built for thru-hikers, lies at the threshold of the infamous “roller coaster” section—renowned for its merciless climbs and descents.

As night settled in, I listened to seasoned thru-hikers recount the relentless soreness that plagued them. “Why couldn’t they have made the trail to go around the mountain?” one questioned, hinting at the grueling path ahead. Yet, I remained blissfully unaware of the true test that awaited me.

Getting to the Rollercoaster

When dawn broke, I set off with a bold stride, confident, perhaps a bit cocky, aiming to conquer the fourteen-mile trek to Sam Moore. I started with an aggressive pace, music in my ears to distract from the rain. Miles passed, and I mused, “Is this what they were complaining about? It’s tough, but not overwhelming.”

Then, a sign emerged from the mist: “Welcome to the Roller Coaster.” My heart sank as I realized the real challenge had just begun. My earlier bravado vanished, replaced by newfound humility and resolve. The trail demanded strength and resilience, traits I was only beginning to discover as I faced the true nature of the Appalachian Trail’s notorious stretch.

Warning: Upping Your Pace May Increase Exhaustion

By noon, exhaustion settled in like a heavy fog. I sank down for a brief lunch, weary and depleted, questioning whether I could muster the energy to conquer the remaining ten miles. Exactly thirty minutes later, the time I had rigidly allotted for rest, I strapped on my pack once more, whispering, “Just a little longer,” willfully ignoring the fact that I wasn’t even halfway there.

Lost in my singular focus to reach my destination, I barely lifted my gaze, bypassing the usual camaraderie of fellow hikers—an aspect of the Appalachian Trail I typically cherished. My tunnel vision led to an unfortunate misstep; so focused on getting there, I missed a turn and added an extra mile to my already grueling trek. Frustration simmered as I quickened my pace, determined to rectify my mistake and return to the path as swiftly as possible.

In this relentless push forward, both my physical and mental stamina were stretched thin. Yet beneath it all, a powerful undercurrent of self-discovery surged. Each step, though arduous, was a testament to my enduring spirit, revealing layers of grit and perseverance I had never fully realized. Through the fatigue and setbacks, a quiet transformation took root, deepening my resolve and fortifying my will to persist against all odds.

Overcoming the Gremlins of Self-Criticism

As I trudged through the physically demanding trail, echoes of self-doubt peppered my thoughts: “This was stupid,” “You should have known better,” “Turn back and go home.” Yet in the face of these gremlins of self-criticism, I began a deliberate practice of self-compassion. “It’s okay, Misti; everyone makes mistakes. You’ve got this!” I repeated, a mantra that gradually replaced self-doubt with self-acceptance.

This internal dialogue mirrored the mental battles many of us wrestle with during challenging times, where self-criticism clashes with our efforts to keep moving forward. As I learned to hush the inner critic and accept my human flaws, I unearthed a newfound resilience—a steadfast resolve to conquer both internal doubts and external hurdles.

While positive thinking buoyed my spirits, it became clear that relentless pushing was counterproductive. In my haste to reclaim lost time, I recklessly leapt from rock to rock until a slip sent me crashing down, my knee painfully colliding with the ground. This enforced pause was a sobering reminder that while determination is vital, true progress often requires patience and a mindful pace.

What Are You Reaching For?

On the verge of tears, I reached into my pocket for solace—a piece of chocolate. This simple treat, known for its magical ability to uplift, offered a moment of sweetness amidst the struggle. Ten minutes later, with a belly full of chocolate, I was back at it, pushing to the shelter.

With just over two miles remaining, the ominous rumble of thunder caught my attention. Dark clouds gathered, another storm inching closer. Frustrated, I began to pray earnestly, “God, please hold off on the rain. Just let me reach the shelter before darkness falls.”

“It’s not about the destination, Misti. It’s about the journey. Can you smell the rain? Can you hear the thunder? Can you feel the rain dripping off your fingertips?” Suddenly, I understood. I had been pushing and forcing myself toward an elusive “there,” desperately seeking to reach all the “theres” in life. Yet, with every “there” comes a “next,” swiftly robbing us of the ability to truly arrive and be present in the moment.

This revelation was a gentle reminder of the importance of savoring the journey itself, embracing each moment with presence and gratitude, rather than perpetually chasing the next milestone. Amidst the whirlwind of challenges, many of us find ourselves hastening our pace to the brink of exhaustion. In our rush, we lose the ability to relax, create, or connect meaningfully with those who matter most.

In that moment, I learned that the best way to stifle negative thoughts is to consciously replace them with positive ones. While I wish I could say I now live completely immersed in each experience, that wouldn’t be honest. Instead, I’ve become better at observing my life, rather than being swept away by reactions. Amidst this mindful exploration, I’ve realized that the dialogue we hold with ourselves is crucial. In the quiet spaces of my mind, I’ve transitioned from the grip of negative self-talk to the empowering embrace of intentional affirmations. This conscious shift helps bring intentionality to our thoughts, words, and actions, allowing us to go from pushing to get somewhere other than where we are, to openness and curiosity.

Self-Talk Matters

Amidst life’s unpredictable terrain, what we whisper to ourselves daily can be as powerful as the steps we take forward. During my hike, I discovered the transformative power of positive affirmations. Here are a few that guide me through uncertainty:

• There’s no rush. Everything unfolds in its rightful time. This reminds me to trust the journey, to welcome patience as an ally rather than a foe.
• You’re doing great. A simple acknowledgment that progress, no matter how small, is worthy of celebration.
• You are among the best of the best. This boosts my confidence, reinforcing that I am equipped to handle whatever comes my way.
• Just for today. Focusing on the present moment helps ground me, reducing the overwhelm that future uncertainties often bring.
• All is well. A gentle reminder that peace and resilience come from within, even amid chaos.

These affirmations serve as a shield against the relentless waves of doubt and fear. They help center my thoughts, encouraging me to embrace each moment with courage and gratitude. As you navigate your own life’s challenges, consider adopting these affirmations. Let them inspire a resilient spirit, guiding you to savor your journey and nurture your personal growth.