Might it be possible...

This book is an ode to shedding labels and definitions of both how we have been perceived and how we perceive ourselves. It is a testament to the ability to begin again; each day in pursuit of our best that day. It is a meditation on trust in ourselves and our paths. Listening to Heather "Anish" while running each day, I felt a deep desire and hope that this book might one day reflect a future letter back to myself. Perhaps in an FKT of some sort, (VT Long Trail here I come!) or perhaps just in the words solidifying a life of pushing my own boundaries and taking chances that force me to dive off the cliff edge of doubts and into the unknown abyss of my dreams. I'm drawn to thru-hiking for the endurance, pace, and re-centering wildness, and also the "blank slate" of becoming my "trail name," as if that persona can possibly be any more wild than the "worldly" name I wear off trail. Following "Anish" on her journey both back to herself as "Anish" and as Heather, was both empoweringly exhilarating and terrifying, knowing her words were creating a mirror for which I must learn to face myself. I have been afraid of the challenge it takes to actually step into my best each day, finding comfort in the complacency of "just enough." While that served for a little while in just simply helping to regulate my nervous system, it created a sleeping self that was comfortable watching and reading the dreams of others forgetting that I can have dreams of my own and it is not selfish to do so. In fact, as Heather would have it, daring greatly into your dreams is in fact the most liberating and generous thing you can do for another. As Heather embarked on this mission to claim the FKT on the Appalachian Trail, her mother had endured a stroke and was in recovery. Upon Heather's completion and attainment of this mission, she called her mom. Her message was received and met by slow, articulate congratulations from her mom. Surprised at how well her mom was speaking after such a short time, her mom replied, "I've been working so hard in therapy because I knew you were going through something so difficult too." To me, this book asks: might your dreams be possible? might it be possible that stepping into the courage to pursue your dreams, to practice discipline in pursuit of tenacity and truth, might not only free yourself, but others to do the same? Might it be possible that wholeheartedly pursuing your wildest dreams drops keys for others to unlock their own?