Live and learn, right? I remember the first major hike I did on July 4th during my 2nd year of grad school: Upper Yosemite Falls with some of my closest friends and classmates. We actually wanted to do Half Dome, but none of us knew that we needed a permit to do that, and we … More gear list/beginning backpacking

~21 miles, ~9-10,000 ft elevation, 4 days/3 nights, 33 pounds. I went on my first backpacking trip last week. I wanted to make the time to pause, catch my breath, and reflect on everything that happened. I wanted to document this while it’s fresh and before I embark on 2 more trips this summer. These … More backpacking: a reflection

When I was a new grad, I was learning and growing so much every single day that I had a hard time keeping up with myself. I don’t think I’ve ever had a physical growth spurt in my life, but I imagine it feels a lot like how pubescent boys seem to be clumsy as … More “being ready” versus “being open”

Do you know the power you have within yourself? Are you even remotely aware of just HOW INFINITE a spirit is contained within your body? I feel a bit nervous writing this post as I’m not sure how it will be received and it may be considered “controversial.” I invite you to stay with me … More impact

I’ve sporadically climbed for the last 3 years. Every time I go, I am humbled by the sport, amazed (as I am with CrossFit and watching the Games every year) at the human capacity to get work done, and motivated to improve my fitness in other areas to improve my performance in this particular type … More perspective

i will admit: growing up with two brothers, i thought “femininity” was weak. i wanted to be rough and tumble like them. i wanted to play outside and be good at sports. i rejected caring about fashion/style/makeup. i was DEFINITELY a tomboy, kind of still am. i wasn’t looking forward to needing to wear a … More international women’s day

I have fallen in love with myself. As corny and dorky as it sounds, it is true. Took me a while and endured some tough lessons to get here, but I have arrived. This photo was taken by a new friend during my first ever cruise with WOD on the Waves. I was feeling alive, … More flying solo

I both can and cannot believe that another holiday season is upon us. In grad school, the alumni would frequently tell us to enjoy student life and that the years go by more quickly the older you get. I’m not “old” yet, but I must say, I can already vouch for the wisdom they shared … More snail mail

I’m writing about presence… again! Things have (relatively) slowed down (for now) for me.  Camping is on pause for a while.  I’m going home for the holidays 3 times in a 2 month period.  I’ve had a bit of time to slow down and take stock of how this year has been for me.  I’ve … More spiraling upward

If you have a body, and if you can go to the beach, then you already have a “beach body.” I think there is a critical difference between complacency and fully accepting yourself. The former is resting on your laurels and is a passive attitude towards life. The former is actively choosing to feel the … More beach body