Happy September Friend!
There's a magical quality to this month—that whisper of new beginnings carried on the first cool breezes of autumn. I love it!
September feels like a second chance at a "new year," but with a more integrated approach. It's as if January - August were about trialing and erroring our intentions, and now, as the leaves begin to turn, it's time for the rubber to hit the road.
Inspiration from the Ultra Trail
This week, Chamonix buzzed with excitement as it hosted one of the world's largest and longest trail-running events the Ultra Marathon Mont Blanc. The energy was palpable, the streets alive with determination and celebration. Watching these athletes push their limits was a powerful reminder of what we're capable of when we set our minds to a goal.
The sight of so many people committed to their personal challenges, supported by a community of cheering fans, was truly inspiring.
Venturing Off the Beaten Path
With the trails brimming with runners all week long, I decided to try something new with the dogs—we ventured off the path and scaled the mountain. The base of these Alpine giants is deceptively steep, it's a tangle of fallen trees and dense forest that feels almost jungle-like in its lushness.
BUT it was a revelation. The dogs chased squirrels and scents with joy, running up, down, and all around until they collapsed happy and panting on the soft moss. I found myself wondering why I hadn't thought of this sooner.
Then it hit me—paths are safe. They're well-trodden, clear of obstacles, and lead to a specific destination. Paths offer certainty, even if the journey is challenging.
In contrast, the dense forest requires us to forge our own way. There's no clear endpoint, and at times, we must pause, reassess, and choose a new direction.
Life Lessons from the Forest
This experience got me thinking about life and the paths we choose. I found myself asking myself:
What paths in my life have I been sticking to out of habit or fear?
What would it look like to venture off these familiar routes?
Do I have the patience to meander, make mistakes, and find new ways forward?
Ultimately, what path do I truly want to be on?
