It’s going to be beautiful
August 6, 2017
Zoe Hisey
Facing Fear, My Journey with God, Personal Growth, Recovery, Trauma
Action, Adventure, Family, gratitude, grief, healing, Mental Health, moving forward, recovery, truth
Last month I went on a 2500 mile solo camping trip on my motorcycle. I went through 7 states in 6 days.
I was both excited and nervous to go solo, but also determined to face my fears.
It was time for some growth.
Turns out I had so much fun, my fears were forgotten, and definitely for naught. The trip was a confidence booster, and equally important, gave me much needed time for reflection.
Without intention, each day a different relationship wound its way through my heart and mind while I rode. It was interesting how this process took on a life of its own, and how much healing I did while riding. I felt emotions I’d been holding back, I had revelations I needed to see, I made progress letting go. It was glorious and restorative.
One part of the ride had an especially profound effect on me.
The ride from the salt flats near Salt Lake City to the majesty of Lake Tahoe started off hot, dusty and monotonous.
I thought the scenery would never change. But when I got to Reno things finally started to improve. Then, as I was riding around Lake Tahoe a field of green grass, wildflowers and tall trees greeted me. I was overcome with unexpected emotions and started crying uncontrollably. It was actually so intense I had to pull over and get off my bike to let myself cry it out. Out of embarrassment and confusion, I wanted to shut it off. Thankfully, with effort, I was able to allow the process to unfold.
It took me awhile to sort through what happened, but eventually an epiphany came to me. The contrast of dead salt flats to living meadow was a picture of the journey and healing I did with my trauma. When I started that work I had no idea how much different my life would be post-recovery. For years I thought the pain would never end. That journey truly was salt flats to meadow.
The current work I’m doing is different, it’s about living now and how to be present with my best self. I don’t have a clear picture of what to expect, but I have the meadow to remind me it’s going to be beautiful.
How about you? What revelations have impacted your journey?
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Aug 12, 2017 @ 07:14:00
Holy Crap! I can’t believe you went “solo” on a 2500 mile biking/camping trip! That is so awesome; your bravery inspires me! Thank you for the imagery of the “dead” flats next to the vibrant fields. I have been on a similar journey over the past twenty years; what a great reminder of God’s promise to bring “beauty from ashes.”
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Aug 12, 2017 @ 11:08:06
Thanks, Amy!
It was exactly what I needed right now, in a lot of levels.
I’m glad you have a meadow in your journey too. Hugs…
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Aug 10, 2017 @ 14:19:11
Amazing, isn’t it? Out of the blue, get hit, slapped, and ambushed by your own emotions and revelations. But at the end, one less stone to carry. It is always about the journey. It is always about who you really are and what you need to be happy. What a ride!
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Aug 12, 2017 @ 11:10:15
So true, Dace. The journey is more important than the destination. Thanks for stopping by 🙂
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Aug 09, 2017 @ 16:57:55
You are one tough and inspirational lady!
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Aug 10, 2017 @ 04:52:27
Thanks, Bill. I’m glad we can inspire each other. 🙂
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Aug 07, 2017 @ 22:00:56
I’m sorry I haven’t been around very much, I seem to have neglected a lot of my blogging friends. My personal life is so horrible now, and I haven’t written about it yet. But soon.
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Aug 08, 2017 @ 17:22:56
I’m so sorry to hear that… I did notice some subtle changes on your blog heading that made me wonder…
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Aug 08, 2017 @ 17:54:17
When I can talk about it, well, it just doesn’t make any sense at all.
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Aug 09, 2017 @ 15:41:45
Just take your time… we are here for you when you’re ready.
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Aug 09, 2017 @ 15:47:34
MUCH LOVE.
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Aug 07, 2017 @ 20:35:21
What a beautiful and enlightening opportunity! I’m so pleased for you. I have to say that the first photo was a bit astounding. With the perspective shown, that tent looks just about big enough for my cat! LOL
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Aug 07, 2017 @ 20:45:46
haha!! Well, truth be told, I had to sleep diagonally in the tent and even then my knees were bent, so probably not too far off from a one-cat tent!! 🙂
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Aug 07, 2017 @ 20:50:46
Ouch! I’m glad you were able to bend that way after a day on the bike. It sounds like I’d be awfully sore.
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Aug 07, 2017 @ 10:31:05
Beautiful and inspiring! So awesome you undertook and completed this trip, Denise, and it’s exciting that it was so healing for you. I love that you’re finding the joyous fruits of your arduous journey. *hugs*
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Aug 07, 2017 @ 20:47:05
Thanks, Sheri! It was a wonderful combination of fun, excitement, and healing. I really needed all of the above! Good to hear from you, I’ve missed the writing group. 🙂
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Aug 08, 2017 @ 16:30:14
You’re welcome to drop in any time. We’d love to see you. We’re still meeting on Wednesday evenings at Little Si and Friday Mornings at Black Dog. Even if you’re not actively writing you’re welcome to visit. 🙂
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Aug 08, 2017 @ 17:15:58
I am thinking that very thing 🙂 Probably in Sept. What’s left of summer is a whirlwind. It will be good to see you!
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Aug 07, 2017 @ 08:05:27
This is beautiful, Denise. A great display of your courage and the healing it brought to you. You kept moving through, which is one of the biggest reasons why you touched my heart so many years ago. Love and hugs to you. 🙂
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Aug 07, 2017 @ 08:16:03
Thanks Lori! You are a true treasure! xoxo
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Aug 07, 2017 @ 04:22:21
It takes a lot of courage to face ourselves in a trip like this. You were ready. You are awesome Denise 💕
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Aug 07, 2017 @ 05:23:46
Thank you, Val.
I’m learning to trust the scary things are where the growth is.
Good to hear from you!
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Aug 06, 2017 @ 16:13:49
Such a beautiful gift you gave to yourself Denise! So proud of you and this amazing journey of healing. Love your awareness…<3
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Aug 06, 2017 @ 17:14:29
Thank you, Kristin!
I appreciate that very much!
A work in progress. ..
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Aug 06, 2017 @ 13:11:01
You are a brave and adventurous woman! I am so proud and a little jealous about your journey. You are a wonder. And an inspiration.
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Aug 06, 2017 @ 13:58:55
Oh Karen, you are such a wonder woman! I am blessed to know you.
Let’s go on an adventure together 🙂
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Aug 07, 2017 @ 14:55:59
I used to ride…started out on the back of the old man’s HD, then got a “learner” Honda 650, then graduated to a 750 Honda Shadow. I loved that bike. This was about 20 years ago. I haven’t been on a bike in a loooooooong time, but I sure did like it. I could be your back seater! 🙂 And it’s a great way to experience the road…much better than a car. I’d go on an adventure with you in a flash if I could arrange it. Oh, and I never “camped” either, so you could teach me that stuff!
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Aug 07, 2017 @ 20:49:15
I had a learner 450 Honda to start off with, and the bike I have now is a 750 Honda Shadow!! We are biker twins!! hahaha
Yes, there is nothing like being on a bike -the smells, the wind, the temperature fluctuations, etc. LOVE IT!
Maybe we could meet somewhere and camp together! Hmmm thinking cap time.
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Aug 06, 2017 @ 12:19:59
What a remarkable person you are and what an inspiring example you set!
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Aug 06, 2017 @ 13:57:19
Thank you, Cindy!
You are so sweet.
I am grateful for opportunity to grow and change.
Love all the adventures and travels you take, too!
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Aug 06, 2017 @ 10:00:58
Beautiful indeed, my friend! You are such an excellent expresser!
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Aug 06, 2017 @ 11:12:06
Thank you!
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Aug 06, 2017 @ 09:22:10
WOW! I am so proud of you and I admire you so much for you courage to do this solo trip Denise. Hey didn’t your daughter do some solo hike through a forest some time back? It seems you come from a family of spirit journey takers! ♡
Diana xo
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Aug 06, 2017 @ 11:13:18
Thanks, Diana! Yes, good memory! She hiked 500 miles on the Pacific Crest Trail from the Columbia River in Oregon to the Canadian border.
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Aug 06, 2017 @ 08:56:42
Oh My God! It is so good to see you writing again and I can’t believe how similar our paths have been lately. I don’t have time to write about it now but you have made me realize I need to. I’ll at least write to you about my own crying jag recently.
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Aug 06, 2017 @ 11:14:32
yes, Esther! Please do! I would love to hear from you again!!
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