Yesterday I completed a hike I never thought possible; a 6 mile challenging trail from the bottom of Fern Dell at Griffith Park up 4 hills to the Observatory then straight up the steep off trail route to Mount Hollywood. When I moved to CA five months ago I was not a hiker, I was just a girl who stuck to her physical therapy routine. I was out of cardiovascular shape and winded by walking up a few hills in my neighborhood. With mountains all around me I decided to give hiking a try but remained cautious because of my cervical stenosis, a degenerative spine condition that often keeps me from trying new activities for fear of the pain that comes with it.
After months of progressively building up strength and gradually taking longer and more arduous hikes, I finally was able to accomplish my goal of making it to the observation deck at Mount Hollywood! I stood in this spot right on the ledge and looked out at the horizon feeling overcome with emotion because climbing up a difficult level trail was something I never thought possible given my cervical stenosis.
It was in this moment I decided I would no longer be needing the baggage of excuses and fear that used to hold me back, instead I would remember the accomplishment, pride and strength of my journey.
Pushing Limits + Expanding Boundaries/ August 3, 2016 / © Jill E. Gallien
