Last night, despite snow, wind and darkness, twenty-five-plus people showed up for my presentation of “Explore Walking Gone Wild and Transformation-travel”. In the small mountainous community where I live, people are a hardy and self-reliant bunch. They know when to venture out and when to stay home. I am touched by the attendants’ commitment to curiosity, learning, and facing barriers on a dark, snowy night. These qualities of curiosity, willingness to learn, and overcoming barriers are essential to living a transformational life. They are ingredients for vital aging. People with these qualities are my unsung heroes.
Our society chases after heroes: people who do exceptional things. It starts with eliminating the ordinary youth who wants to be active but can’t make it on the varsity team from school sports. The talented youths get the support to become great; we forget about the not so talented ones. It ends with lauding the exceptional athlete who is still making her or his mark at age 80. I get why we're captivated by the standout moments, the awe of a flower surpassing the rest. However, it’s the field of flowers that nurtures the soil, that provides the base to bring forth the occasional exceptional one.
Twenty-five people showed up for an event. Over half claimed to be walkers, but still wanted to learn more. They made the effort to expand their knowledge, to brace the weather. These people are my unsung heroes. They form the base from which strength and commitment to living well, sprouts. The women and men who show up every morning to make breakfast for their family; the seniors who walk 2 miles each day to improve their health; the friends who show up time and again for their friends; the men and women who put one foot in front of the other for survival, who are kind to others, who reach out a helping hand, these people are my unsung heroes.
I didn’t become a walker and adventurer because I have exceptional talent. I am who I am because my parents instilled in me the values of perseverance, curiosity, and self-belief. You don’t become a long-distance hiker by putting a pack on your back and getting on the trail. You start by walking, hiking, training, one boring day after another, until you’re strong enough to carry the heavy pack and walk long distances, day in and day out. Nobody stands by to cheer you on, nobody gives you a reward when you’re done. Okay, if you become a triple-crowner (when you have hiked the three long-distance trails, from Mexican border to the Canadian border) you can ask for a certificate of accomplishment. Your hiking community will celebrate you, but will the world? If your actions don’t make money for an agent, if your actions don’t produce more viewers on TV, if you’re a flower among many, the world doesn’t celebrate you.
And that’s okay. We don’t live to be celebrated. We live to feel good about our lives. That’s our reward. We show up for ourselves, our families and friends. My heroes show up for the causes that matter for this planet. They strive to improve the world, step by step.
Does it matter what the unsung heroes do? Does it matter if America walks? Yes it does! Leaders know that a healthy herd means survival. A self-moving herd is crucial for species survival.
You, who show up every day, are my unsung hero. You are my community that keeps this planet alive and vibrant. Take a moment to reflect and appreciate the impact of your actions. I will publish this post to remind us that we, the ones who show up, matter.
so beautifully stated!! and thank you so much for the start that you gave me back in Jackson county OR...I walk on because of you.
I really enjoyed your post; quite true! And how sweet that 25 people showed up to join you, and each other, in solidarity about the importance of walking/hiking in our lives.