When Things Go Right

When Things Go Right
            Most of us notice immediately when things go wrong. It’s easy to remark on things that upset us. Yet we often forget to acknowledge when things go right.
            A year ago, I was worried about my mom’s health, but she rallied and forged ahead into the new year. Instead, my father passed away unexpectedly in May. Five months later, my mom followed. When a loved one dies, it’s hard not to feel that the world has gone awry.
            But we keep walking, embracing our best memories and looking for ways to make sense of loss.
            This week, one of my brothers is visiting from afar to do some memorial activities around our mom’s recent passing, and to emotionally regroup together.
            In our busy days since he arrived, with many things we wanted to accomplish, every activity has gone just right. How odd for life to twist a sad time into small positives that feel happy and fulfilling.
            Today, as a nature break, we had a specific trail plan for a hike on Mt. Tam. It started from a trailhead where my autistic son and I recently also had a well-set trail plan. On that day with my son, we fell astray from our planned route, leading to an unexpected bushwhacking climb straight up a steep part of Mt. Tam.
            Today, however, our drive, the weather, and the hike itself were just perfect. Even the hummingbirds posed for a photo op. 
            In the midst of life’s challenges, we don’t often give a shout out when things go especially right. May we all remember to count our good days with as much emphasis as we count the hard days. Keep putting one foot forward!
            This week’s HikingAutism Hike Notes from the archives is Mountain Theater from Bootjack Campground, a hike where our trail plans went off track, but our off-trail adventure made reaching our destination all the more memorable.
 
This week’s Hike Notes from the Archives:
(Original Hike Notes 164): Mountain Theater from Bootjack Campground
 
            Click Insights/Hike Update News for inspiring reflections. Browse hikes on the main Hikes page or on the Hike Search by Area page. Check out selected articles and interviews under Media. Click World Walks to see or share favorite family-friendly walks! Stay in touch with Lisa Louis and HikingAutism via Contact. See products with inspiring designs that support the efforts of HikingAutism under Support/Shop. The Links page lists a loose collection of helpful information links.
            Check the Home page for the broader background story. If you’re not able to take one of these Northern California hikes, hopefully you can enjoy the photo galleries at the bottom of each hike page! Feel free to share and follow on Facebook at HikingAutism, follow on Twitter at @HikingAutism and Instagram at lisalouis777