Make Sunshine in Rain
Steven Fugate Inspired Me
Reading a book is inspirational. But reading a book about a hiker who walks to save lives is next level inspirational.
Today, I was having a hard time. I have been home from the trail for 52 days. While that may not sound like a lot of days to you, I have not worked for 274 days. And I am losing my mind a little bit. I started working when I was a teenager. I worked for my parents. I stuck plant cuttings in the green house, and I babysat. This was consistent work. I worked for them for the next 20 years of my life. And then I became a teacher. I don’t remember resting. Ever. I remember rest being frowned upon, as if people who rested were lazy.
I have been actively applying for and interviewing for jobs since September 1st. I figured if I started applying before I was off the trail, then I would have a job by the time I got home. I was incorrect.
The up side is that I have had lots of time to read, reread and write since I got home. I also have had lots of time to spend with friends and family. All good things that feed the soul. But today, I am just tired of job hunting. I am tired of interviewing. I am tired of needing things and not being able to get them. I am just tired.
So today, I was crying. People cry. Don’t judge.
Resting is NOT lazy. It keeps your body and mind healthy.
I also restarted my tutoring business. It has been a positive experience. But exhausting. I love teaching. It is my favorite thing. I do not love business yet. But it is growing on me.
Now back to Steve Fugate.
I decided to open my computer to check my email for the millionth time. Maybe one of the jobs I applied for this week would have responded. But Steve Fugate was looking at me. I made him my screen saver on purpose.
.
About a week ago, we saw him on the side of a country road in North Florida. We recognized him with his HUGE “Love Life” sign. We turned the car around, pulled up in front of him, got out and introduced ourselves, thanking him for his life-altering book. Steve has been hiking since 1999. While he was thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail that year, his son took his life. Steve was devastated, he ended up in the hospital himself. But with the help of friends and his family, he regained strength. He decided he wanted to do something to stop other people from taking their own lives. So he got a huge sign that said “Love Life” and started hiking with it.
His action garnered attention. Many people stopped and talked to him about how he saved their life with his sign. Newpapers started interviewing him as he entered towns. His fame grew. He saved more lives. After his first Love Life walk, he decided to write his story in a book. His book also titled, Love Life Walk, sold many copies.
He continued his Love Life walks to save lives, and he as save many more along the way. When we met him, he was on the same mission. He told us he was glad we had stopped at just the right time because his shell had gone missing. For the non-hikers in the room, a shell is a one layer rain coat. All hikers have one as essential equipment used as both a wind breaker and rain protection. You can’t live without one for very long. He asked us if we would look about three miles for him.
So we drove back and checked.
No dice.
When we drove back to him, I remembered I had my shell in the car. So I had him try it on. He was grateful when it fit, and I gave it to him. I was feeling overwhelmed that day too, and I told him thank you for helping me keep everything in perspective. He didn’t belittle my feelings or tell me it would all be ok. He just reminded me to Love Life. I told him I was writing my autobiography of the AT, and he was excited. He encouraged me to finish it, and even gave me some tips.
If you haven’t read his book, Love Life Walk, then I recommend you purchase it today. It will be a worthwhile use of your time and may change your perspective. That’s what thinking about him did for me today. I was reminder to Love Life. Even the hard parts.
I am growing and learning every day. Life is not work. I can love life, even without a job. I just don’t know how to do so yet ALL the time. Sometimes I succeed though. Like right now writing. So I am going to keep writing today. Do what works.
Here is today’s challenge:
Read Love Life Walk by Steve Fugate
Love your life. If you struggle to love it. Remember all the things his book taught you. For example, JUST LOVE LIFE!
Smile and thank those around you for being a part of the Life you Love.
Hug yourself because it’s hard some days and you deserve to Love yourself.
Do what works!
Here's to loving life, and to responses to job applications and taking breaths into new perspectives.
April God has your plan all laid out. Just remember it’s in his timing not yours so continue to love life daily and find the joy in all the small things.