My mantra for 2019 is “Do it Afraid” and my word of the year is commitment.
I am striving to have a greater level of commitment in all areas of my life. That said, I was 100% committed to having the best birthday ever this year! I set out to one of my favorite destinations in Colorado, Glenwood Springs. I know, I was there is December, however, this trip presented a different set of experiences to share with you all regarding my journey and things to do in and around the area.
More and more, I have begun to step outside of my comfort zone. Allowing myself to be in the flow and open to receiving all of life’s many miracles daily. “Do it afraid” was the theme of my birthday trip. When I arrived, I did something that I have never done in almost 10 years of visiting Glenwood, I went to the visitor center. I explained to the very kind volunteer working there that it was my birthday weekend and I was open to try new things in and around the area. She told me about dinner theater, a piano bar downtown and FREE hot springs. I also, knew that I wanted to the hike Hanging Lake.
Soon after leaving the visitor center, I headed out to discover the hot springs. I am opting not to disclose the location of the hot springs in this post, out of respect to the local community and to protect this precious GEM within Colorado. If you reach out to me in the comments or via social media, I am more than happy to share. I pulled off the highway and looked down over the embankment only to see about a dozen people lounging and playing in three man-made rock pools off the river. I said a small prayer, grabbed my towels, backpack and headed down to join the party. I settled for the middle pool or “pot”, as the couple and gentleman chatting seemed friendly and had space to share. I got in near the source of supply and the water was HOTTER THAN HELL!!🔥 As I began talking with the group and we began to rearrange and get comfortable with one another, we began to laugh and share stories and the water began to regulate. It was the best time! We shared travel experiences, life experiences and well wishes as we parted. Totally enamored by my experience, I went back the next day. This time I had the springs all to myself for 2 HOURS!!! It was amazing to be out in nature, enjoying this natural phenomenon. It was in this moment that I decided to “do it afraid.”. I was out in the middle of nowhere, without phone signal, alone, in the snow at times, sitting in hot natural mineral water living my best life. As I sat there, I made a conscious decision to move from being fearful and overly cautious of my surroundings to relaxing and enjoying this once in a life time experience. I surrendered! A calmness came over me and I was assured this was exactly what I was supposed to be doing in this moment and that more moments like this would be on the way.
Hanging Lake is a trail 10 miles outside of Glenwood Springs. It is a beautiful trail and not for the faint of heart. I set out to hike the trail on my way back to the city. Due to the weather conditions, I had to take my time and get up to the top. With the snow and ice, I fell more times than I care to admit yet with a lot of will and determination, I made it! I was so pleased with myself for getting to the top without the proper equipment, namely ice shoes. The views were spectacular and just like my experience the day before at the hot springs I had the entire place to myself. I sang, prayed and rejoiced while the water flowed in the background. I found a peace within and felt centered as I began to head back down the trail so I could get home.
The decent is where the real fun started, and I understood immediately why ice shoes were a requirement. 😂😂😂 As I went to take my first steps down the trail and almost found myself in a full split, I thought “oh boy, I am in trouble.” And then a calm came over me again. I thought I made it up here, I will certainly make it down. I sat on my butt and began to slide down the trail. I laughed with joy and nervousness and felt like a kid again. Once I made to a point where I felt safe and stable enough to stand and walk, I did. It was at this point that I was encountered by an older couple. We exchanged pleasantries and they asked me about the conditions of the trail and my hiking experience. And then the woman did something extraordinary, she gave me one of her ski poles to assist with me getting down the trail. When I made to the bottom, I placed the pole on their vehicle with a note that said “Some parts of the journey are to be experienced alone. Then when you least expect it, God will send the right people to help you along the way!”
Hanging Lake Trail
February 2019
While I did many things over my birthday “afraid,” I left Glenwood Springs knowing that I no longer have to be fearful about life and experiences because God always has his hands on me! So I encourage you to DO IT afraid! 💪🏾
Love,
Sallee Jay ❤️
