Therese Marie

The catchphrase of 2017 was pretty easy to figure out.

Given all the insanity and plot twists we’ve been through this past year, it’s safe to say that uncertainty has become a staple. The future has been completely unpredictable and, in most cases, earth shattering.

The theme of 2017: “I Don’t Know.”

My year began with a new, budding romance that seemed awesome at the time. I was so excited, until it abruptly ended. And, since such is the natural course of life, I began to feel remorse for every time I’ve been “the asshole.”

So when people asked me what happened, all I could say was, “I don’t know.“

I learned pretty quickly,

Nothing is guaranteed.

Even if someone gives you their word, their love, the tables can turn in an instant.

So what did I do?

I up and left everything I knew to go live in the woods. For how long? I didn’t know. How was I going to get there? I didn’t know. What sort of gear did I need? I didn’t know.

 

Luckily the trail is long and narrow and you’re never really alone! I found friends everywhere I turned. Each day became full of joy and toil. I laughed so hard I cried almost every day. And when people asked me what was so funny? I said, “I don’t know!” 

You learn a LOT when you’re living in the woods.

And it would be impossible to share everything. But here are a few important lessons I took away from the whole experience.

1. Nothing is water proof.
2. Don’t jump into a relationship too quickly. 
3. It’s NOT impossible to climb that mountain.
4. The last bit of climbing before the summit is always the most difficult (except on Katahdin), and you feel all the more amazing once you reach the top.
5. Hitchhiking is fun (and WAY easier than I thought)
6. It’s always worth it to stick around for the sunset. 
7. There’s always room for one more. 

But most importantly?

I learned to never give up.

It’s going to hurt. You’re going to be sore from old bruises. You’re going to get scarred up and damaged. AND you’re going to succeed. You don’t need to know what’s going to happen next to be successful. You don’t need to know the details.

All you need to know is that you’re going to do it.

 

And you need to keep going. I am so tired of listening to people talk about how they got stopped, how it would have been a good idea, “but.” – STOP SAYING BUT! STOP STOPPING YOURSELF! “But” doesn’t exist! “But” is some limp noodle excuse you use to give in to every fear you’ve got. If something is important to you, incorporate it into your life. Love everything you do. Use “and.” Don’t use the word, “but.” “But” stops people from being something great.

This world is a scary place,

full of uncertainty. Full of pain and injustice and people who might hack you up in their garage (if that’s what you’re afraid of). And that’s not going to change.

You’ve got to admit, though, the most horrifying thing out there is an excuse not to do something. 

Thank you for the memories, 2017. We may not know what we’re doing, but we’re still living.

Take to the skies my friends, and may you always

fly on. 

-Lil