Moving to Washington was exactly what I wanted when I came out here in 2019. Mountains, water, and adventure, thats what I was seeking. I fell inlove. A few months after moving here, the Covid-19 pandemic started. This made it really hard to meet people and make friends. My depression was at an all time low, even though I was starting to hike often and making work friends. Having to avoid people outside of work was the worst, but it was that way for all of us. So lets fastforward.
One year later, I joined a gym called Waypoint fitness. One of the volunteer coaches stood out to me. We really hit it off at a "wine and wod" bring a friend night, I know what a cool gym. This convo is where I discovered she was VERY big on hiking. We also discovered we both had Mondays off, which had been a recent change for me. This meant we could hike amazing trails on a not so busy day. So we decided to exchange numbers and thats where it all began.
After some texting and doing a few workouts together, we finally planned our first hike. Little did I know this would become a Monday tradition which is still going to this day. I will never forget how she was hoping after we completed our first hike that I wouldnt hate her and never want to hike again. We did a snow/icy hike for our first hike together. I was thrilled because I got to bring Sadie, but we got to the top of the hike and it was breathtaking. We had so much fun at Heather Lake, and I knew I found a good hiking buddy.
Weeks of cool hikes come and go and the friendship grows stronger. I never knew how much I needed a person like her in my life, until I had her. We talked about goals, dreams, work, mental health, physical health, etc. We saw eye to eye on so many things and what we didnt necessarily have the same views on, she opened my eyes to other points of views and knowledge. It was becoming a very healthy friendship for me, after having so many toxic friends over the years it was truly refreshing. She motivates me to be my best and to ease up on myself.
One year later and every hike gets more exciting, every goal gets a little tougher, every hike gets a little higher. I have changed in so many ways after meeting a soul friend. So go out and enjoy life with those who bring out your best. Go adventure. Go do a trip. Go hike a freaking mountain! Go find love in friendships. I now know, I can achieve anything. Surround yourself with people who bring that out in you. You never know how much life can change in 365 days.
*Big shout out to my soul friend*
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