Each day we can find inspiration from others to live our best life ever: stronger, happier, more fulfilled. We may find inspiration from our friends, family members and loved ones, and we may even be inspired by the actions and accomplishments of complete strangers.
Here, you can find inspiration from these three strong women who decided to do away with the norms and take on the challenge of hiking and conquering their own personal mountains. Read on to find out more about their journeys.
Cheryl Strayed’s Epic Journey
Did you know that the story portrayed in the hit movie “Wild” is based on real life events? Cheryl Strayed, author of “Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail,” played by Reese Witherspoon in the 2014 hit movie, captivated readers and described in detail her life-changing, 1,100-mile hike in her 2012 memoir. In 1995, at age 26, Strayed set out on her own to conquer her demons, as she was battling a series of serious problems in her life, from divorce to addiction and the recent death of her mother. Strayed took to the Pacific Crest Trail along the West Coast of the U.S. to find herself without any formal hiking training. And that’s exactly what she did during the three months she spent on the trail. Her story proves to be both inspiring and healing, resonating with readers from different walks of life. In addition to “Wild,” Cheryl Strayed is also the author of “Torch” and “Tiny Beautiful Things.”
Age Is Just a Number to Anne Lorimor
Where will you be when you’re 85 years old? Anne Lorimor, of Phoenix, Arizona, decided that she would take on Tanzania’s Mt. Kilimanjaro at 85. Lorimor is the oldest woman to reach the summit, taking an eight-day trek to get to the top. Anne set out on her journey to raise awareness for her Challenge Youth Fund, a foundation which supports disadvantaged children throughout the state of Arizona. In addition to raising awareness for her foundation, Lorimor also wanted to prove to other seniors that life doesn’t have to stop at age 50. Her epic trek to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro earned Anne Lorimor a Guinness World Record. She’s even told interviewers that she might take on the mountain again in two years when she’s 87 because, according to Lorimor, “I’d definitely be the oldest person then.”
Heather Anderson’s Record-Breaking Hike
Considered unathletic as a young woman, Seattle resident Heather Anderson struggled with weight issues until she discovered her love for backpacking. During her years hiking, however, she has battled her fair share of naysayers and experienced tremendous self-doubt. Yet, Anderson set the fastest speed record for hiking the 2,189-mile Appalachian Trail this year, a trek that takes backpackers through 14 different states, in just 54 days, 7 hours and 48 minutes. The previous women’s record topped 80 days. And, a few years ago in 2013, Anderson set the unsupported backpacking speed record for Pacific Crest Trail in 60 days, 17 hours and 12 minutes. Despite battles with self-esteem and questioning her own accomplishments, Anderson was reassured that she was strong and capable of doing what she set out to do when she was out on the trails setting astonishing records.
Identity Magazine is all about empowering women to get all A’s in the game of life — Accept. Appreciate. Achieve.TM Every contributor and expert answer the Identity 5 questions in keeping with our theme. Their answers can be random and in the moment or they can be aligned with the above article. As a team, we hope to inspire and motivate ourselves and inspire you to get all A’s.
1. What have you accepted within your life, physically and/or mentally? What are you still working on accepting?
That we have to all appreciate the little things and to not take anything for granted.
2. What have you learn to appreciate about yourself and/or within your life, physically and mentally? What are you still working on to appreciate?
I’m blessed to have loving family and friends in my life.
3. What is one of your most rewarding achievements in life? What makes YOU most proud? What goals and dreams do you still have?
Graduating from Arizona State University in 2013. I would still love to travel more and always learn from new experiences. Maybe one day I’ll even write a book about it. One day…
4. We all have imperfections, so we think. The truth–we are all perfectly imperfect. What are your not-so-perfect ways? What imperfections and quirks create who you are–your Identity?
Nobody’s perfect and it’s been hard to accept it. I’ve learned to embrace my curly hair, my curves and my quirky personality.
5. “I Love My…” is an outlet for you to express and appreciate all the positive traits that make you…well… YOU! Sharing what you love about yourself will make you smile, feel empowered, and uplift your spirit and soul. (we assure you!) Identity challenges you to complete the phrase “I Love My…?”
I love that I give 100 percent to everything I participate in or do.
