“If you don’t know where you are going, you might wind up someplace else.” Yogi Berra
Every backpacking trip has worn on me more mentally than physically. Before going to Arizona, I did some soul-searching to understand why I wanted to do the AZT and the end game for success or failure. I used these questions, answers, and statements to help me overcome trying situations. Everyone has different motivations; these are mine. This is what I wrote down before doing the AZT.
Why am I doing this?
- To live my life rather than have this define me.
- Challenge me emotionally, mentally, and physically. I want to overcome those challenges and gain confidence in myself.
- Prove to myself that I can “embrace the suck” and thrive on the unavoidable adversity.
- To “improvise, adapt, and overcome” any situation.
- Do incredible things while I can.
- Have an adventure – every day is unknown, and overcome adversity.
- Live intentionally to eliminate doubt and confusion and to have mental clarity.
- Live outside my head by appreciating both small and big things.
- Have structure and purpose.
- Achieve a sense of accomplishment doing something out of the ordinary.
- See things that take my breath away and instill a sense of beauty.
- Find a direction.
When I have completed this, I will –
- Have confidence in myself to overcome any challenge.
- Create memories I’ll work to relate to for the rest of my life.
- See my life in a different light.
- Feel inner peace and evaluate my life more precisely.
- Listen to others better.
- Share my mental, emotional, and physical experiences.
If I give up, I will –
- Feel like shit because I settled for the easy way.
- Lack confidence.
- Be without direction.
- Be isolated.
- Not be the person I think I am.