Take a Hike, Girl. It Might Just Change Your Life.
Apparently, my idea of a getaway now includes a 12-plus-mile hike. Very relaxing of me. On my trip to California with a group of women entrepreneurs—and a few spouses who joined the fun—one of our big adventures was hiking the Miner’s Ridge and James Irvine Trail Loop in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park in Orick.
11/4/20263 min read
Apparently, my idea of a getaway now includes a 12-plus-mile hike.
Very relaxing of me.
On my trip to California with a group of women entrepreneurs—and a few spouses who joined the fun—one of our big adventures was hiking the Miner’s Ridge and James Irvine Trail Loop in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park in Orick.
Business coach Kathy King (Kathy King Strategies) organized the entire retreat, including this experience.
And holy hell, it was beautiful.
It was one of the most beautiful places I’ve been in a long time. Those trees are enormous. The kind of enormous that makes you stop talking for a second and actually look up (on repeat!)
Which, as someone whose brain usually has about 47 tabs open, is saying something.
The forest was out there figuring shit out.
Over the course of the hike, we moved through several different environments. The scenery kept changing, and I was fascinated by how much life was happening everywhere.
A fallen tree? A fern was growing right out of it.
Nature apparently looked at that situation and said, “Okay. We can work with this.”
I kept noticing trees that looked worn or lifeless near the bottom but had so much life and new growth higher up.
I’m no tree expert. But between the towering redwoods and the plants growing out of fallen trees, there was a lot to think about.
Things were growing around obstacles. Taking root in unexpected places. Making use of what was there.
And I couldn’t help connecting it to my own journey as an entrepreneur.
Maybe growth doesn’t look how you thought it would.
When you’re building something, it’s easy to focus on what hasn’t worked.
The thing you tried that went nowhere. The plan that needs to change. The progress you thought you’d have made by now.
Meanwhile, you’re learning. Making connections. Getting clearer about what you want. Becoming brave enough to try something you would have talked yourself out of a year ago.
That’s growth, too.
I’m building a business while working and raising a family. My circumstances require me to adjust constantly. Some days, that’s frustrating as hell.
But seeing all that life along the trail made me think about how resourceful I’ve become.
I can adjust a plan. Find another way. Use what I’ve learned to try again.
I’m starting to recognize how much strength that takes.
We had help slowing down and noticing.
Our forest therapy guide, Kelly Parochetti, owner of Balance & Thrive Forest Therapy, was amazing.
Throughout the hike, she led us through mindfulness prompts that helped us reflect inward while taking in the beauty around us.
We paused. Asked questions. Reflected on our businesses and how we could shift our perspective.
Those moments gave me a chance to actually absorb the experience instead of treating the hike like another thing to finish.
We also talked about holding onto the feelings we had on the trail and taking them home with us.
Because it’s easy to feel inspired surrounded by redwoods. Remembering that feeling when you’re back at your computer, someone needs a snack, and your inbox has apparently been reproducing?
That takes a little more intention.
I want to remember to pause there, too. To notice what’s working and give myself time to consider another approach when something feels stuck.
And can we give ourselves a little credit?
We hiked more than 12 miles; it took 6+ hours.
We all absolutely killed it!
There was something special about sharing that experience with other women building businesses of their own. We got to reflect on our work while doing something physically challenging together.
I left proud of us—and proud of myself.
Sometimes I need a concrete reminder of what I’m capable of. Something I can point to and say, “Yep. I did that.”
Twelve-plus miles is pretty solid evidence.
Along the way, we saw elk and spotted condors from very far away. We wrapped up the experience with a tea ceremony, which was such a lovely way to close it.
A huge thank-you to Kathy for bringing us together and to Kelly for helping us take in so much more than the scenery.
I want to keep looking up.
As a mom and business owner, I spend a lot of time focused on what needs attention next.
This hike gave me a bigger view.
I noticed beauty. I noticed new growth in places I wouldn’t have expected. And I noticed my own determination, which I don’t always stop long enough to appreciate.
I want to carry those things home with me.
So, take a hike, girl.
Maybe start with fewer than 12 miles if that’s more your speed. We do not need to make this a competition.
Give yourself a little time outside. Look around. Get curious about what you see and what it brings up for you.
And if you spot a fern growing out of a fallen tree, please appreciate that resourceful little badass for me. 🤍
A little something to journal about: Where have you adapted, found another way, or grown in a direction you didn’t expect—and have you given yourself credit for it?
Much love,
Monica
In Her Boss
