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10-09-2007, 13:18
The first time a friend and I spent time alone together was on a hike 5 years ago on a trail at Skyline Drive. One year later we were married. Getting to know each other revolved around the many day hikes we shared in our year of dating - not popcorn, not at the movies...but hiking in the beauty of the woods where everything important is tangible. So the "trail" is part of who we are as a couple. My husband was introduced to the AT years before we met. He started telling me about it and the idea was very appealing. So we've been dreaming about how nice it would be to take on the challenges of the AT as a couple...really focus on what the future holds for us during that time and where we fit into the scheme of things. We've been buying and testing gear over the past four years, continuing day hikes, doing a few overnights, searching info on line, reading books. Now it looks like we may be able to hike the AT in '08...and a part of me is getting "cold feet"! I could list all the things that are making the reality a little scary (hence, "timid_pass") like leaving family, job and home behind and the uncertainty of what that means when we return...new job? new home? where? :o
Any thoughts? I know I posted this under Female Forums...but a male perspective would also be appreciated. (Did anyone go through this with their wife? What was your response and what was the outcome?) I think it's VERY important to support your spouse in pursuing their passions...and this is an oportunity for me to support my husband in pursuing a dream. One that's very important to him. It's just that this support requires a lot of change. It isn't quite like supporting him in a hobby or something that happens while "regular life" continues. Does that make sense? But, I love hiking too!...I love how awesome it feels to realize that all you really need in this life (as far as possessions are concerned) can be carried on your back! And to share that with someone you love is awesome! (Especially when they know exactly what you're talking about - they understand that "simplistic" freedom.)
I guess the part that has kind of shaken me a little is that for us to hike the AT we have to give up home and job. Literally. But what blind-sided me is that I didn't think I would give it a second thought! In fact I knew that would have to be part of the plan for us to be able to do it. I'm actually a pretty spontaneous person! And I've never thought of myself as someone attached to "things". So in a way I'm kind of confused by my response to the news that we can go in '08. :o Shouldn't I be dancin'!?! Ha, is there a psychiatrist in the house?
Any thoughts? I know I posted this under Female Forums...but a male perspective would also be appreciated. (Did anyone go through this with their wife? What was your response and what was the outcome?) I think it's VERY important to support your spouse in pursuing their passions...and this is an oportunity for me to support my husband in pursuing a dream. One that's very important to him. It's just that this support requires a lot of change. It isn't quite like supporting him in a hobby or something that happens while "regular life" continues. Does that make sense? But, I love hiking too!...I love how awesome it feels to realize that all you really need in this life (as far as possessions are concerned) can be carried on your back! And to share that with someone you love is awesome! (Especially when they know exactly what you're talking about - they understand that "simplistic" freedom.)
I guess the part that has kind of shaken me a little is that for us to hike the AT we have to give up home and job. Literally. But what blind-sided me is that I didn't think I would give it a second thought! In fact I knew that would have to be part of the plan for us to be able to do it. I'm actually a pretty spontaneous person! And I've never thought of myself as someone attached to "things". So in a way I'm kind of confused by my response to the news that we can go in '08. :o Shouldn't I be dancin'!?! Ha, is there a psychiatrist in the house?