This Moment Is Everything.

I was fortunate to travel to Alaska for 9 days in June. The wildness, beauty and expanse of Alaska is something everyone should experience in my opinion. I ate fresh seafood, hiked gorgeous hikes, took in all the astounding views. I had my share of ups and downs on this trip for sure, but I walked away with a valuable life lesson.

The view of Denali Nat'l Park

I began this adventure with the mindset of being fully present, as I strive to do on every vacation. I have made goals and aspirations to be present and set boundaries regarding my digital life. As a travel blogger, sometimes setting digital boundaries and being fully immersed in a moment is difficult. You want the content, you want the photo, the perfect shot...but at what cost?

        It's funny how the Universe works.

A few days into this incredible trip, I thought I was doing a fairly good job of mindfulness and being present and I think the Universe decided to hold me to my word and show how I wasn't as present as I thought.

Talkeetna River with Denali in all its glory. 

While hiking along the Talkeetna River, my friend and I were concerned about our trail being correct. I did what I have done hundreds of times, I pulled out my phone, checked my AllTrails app to verify our GPS. As I went to grab a small birch tree, it gave way more than I expected and I fumbled just enough to drop my phone. It bounced on my leg, the ground and then plop!

                        Right into the Talkeetna river. My phone. The river. Gone.

My friend Becky and me at the Talkeetna River

This particular area of the river is where 2 other rivers converge into the Talkeetna, so its extremely wide with a fast current/under current AND is VERY cold. 

I was stunned and it all felt like slow motion and my friend, god love her, was more than eager to help fish it out. After realizing fishing it out was not an option, we both walked a bit up river and back down then came to the realization, it was gone.

I knew it was a replaceable item and I was so thankful I didn't lose the pack or that either one of us didn't slip into the cold water. I was still having initial mixed feelings of worry, frustration and anger at myself, but I knew it would all be okay and that I didn't want to ruin the remainder of our trip. We decided to continue our day with other nearby hikes. 

One of the area lakes in Talkeetna, Alaska. 

The next morning I was journaling and it hit me square between the eyes, this was my lesson.

This was my wake up call from the Universe. This was my challenge to walk my talk of being more present, creating lasting digital boundaries. When the Universe wants to get your attention, it doesn't mess around, that's for sure!!

Right then, I knew this was a blessing. Dropping my phone in the river was just the push I needed to be fully present and set those boundaries I have always had a hard time setting. I will be replacing my phone of course, but I have made a strict list of things I will no longer have as distractions so that I can take this lesson to heart. Unless I make intentional change, this lesson was all for naught. 

Views from Denali Nat'l Park

We aren't guaranteed anything in this life. Every single day is a gift and every single moment is everything. It contains everything we could possibly want or need. We are just too distracted to see and realize the beautiful moments we are letting slip by. 

Every trip gives me new people, experiences, and lessons. This trip was no different. My lesson is one I hope you will embrace for yourself as well. 

This moment. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, open your eyes. There is beauty, joy, peacefulness and love there but we must be willing to see it and appreciate it.

Gratitude.

Thank you Universe. Thank you Alaska. 

Keep traveling.

Much Love, H :)