As some of you may know, I spent the end of this very eventful summer working for my Grandparents at Bear Paw Outfitters. Every summer since I was five years old I’ve spent time taking out trail rides with my Grandpa and Aunt. Working for them has taught me many things, a love for the mountains, a hard work ethic, integrity, and the confidence to make conversation with people from all over the world!
This summer came as an extra special blessing because I had not expected to be able to ever work with my Grandparents again, now that my own adult responsibilities have come into play. The truth is that this is the longest amount of time I’ve been able to consistently work there since I was ten years old! Reconnecting with that cowgirl part of myself reminded me that it is important to know where you come from, but it is also important to be yourself. The past will always be a part of you, but it doesn’t necessarily define you. I’m not really a cowgirl anymore, but I’m also not yet the person I hope to become.
In the meantime, I intend to enjoy the view from the saddle! Many clients this summer asked me if I ever got bored riding the same trails every day. My answer was pretty simple, “No! Everything along these trails changes every day, from the weather to the shadows playing with the light in the trees, from the wildlife that we may or may not see to the changing color of the leaves, and if I were bored I would simply start riding a new trail.” That’s not even to mention all the people we meet from different places!
Our country and even the world seems hopelessly divided right now. What you learn from meeting and conversing with that many different people, is that we’re not all so different as we might appear to be and the differences we do have can be our greatest strength. You also learn an insatiable desire to travel to see for yourself all those places the people come from!
Did you have a childhood job? What did it teach you? Do you love to travel? What inspires you to see new places?
Thank you, fellow adventurers! You can follow the lilmissbearpaw blog page on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @lilmissbearpaw for sneak peeks into upcoming posts and my adventures. This will also be a great place to share your own adventures!