Mr. West’s Hiking Tips
 
It’s Not About the Miles, It’s About the Smiles
When you’re hiking it is easy to think about the end goal or destination. We often find ourselves yearning for an end result without realizing that the process of the journey is what makes the hike so worthwhile. While you are in the midst of a challenging journey, I encourage you to slow down and be aware that the goal is not about the destination, it’s about the journey.
 
Find our Bearings
With so many different paths to travel, it is easy to wander. Be willing to take risks and make some mistakes, but always remember to find your direction and purpose. When hiking, find your true north and be intentional with the direction you are trekking. 
 
Take One Step at a Time
When on your journey you will sometimes cover difficult terrain. There will be mountains, valleys, swamps, deserts, storms, and unexpected challenges. At times you will need to step backwards to move forward, and what’s most important is that you learn how to keep going. Sometimes you might not know where to step, in this case, slow down and take the next right step. 
 
Take a Zero Day
A zero day is a day when no miles are logged. Zero days are crucial for a long journey because your body and mind often needs time to  rest and relax. When needed, take the time to rest physically, mentally, or spiritually. Recharge and refresh for your overall well-being, and your hike will be a success.
 
Travel Light
Sometimes we think we need things during our hike that are really things that we want. Find a way to lighten your load and get rid of extra weight or baggage. When you are thoughtful about what you truly need and ditch extra baggage, you will feel the weight lift off your shoulders and become more efficient.
 
Have an Attitude of Gratitude
Be mindful that everyday is a gift. Being grateful for the small things in life will transform your outlook and give you balance and peace. Clean water, a hot shower, clean clothing, and good weather are all small things to be grateful for on your hike. Flex your gratitude muscles and your journey will become even more enjoyable.
 
Face Your Challenges
Oftentimes it’s the challenging moments of your hike that you remember the most. It’s not the easy miles and the sunny skies that shape you. The obstacles placed in your path are there to learn from and grow. Face those challenges with a willingness to persevere. Push through to find out what you’re really made of.
 
Find Your Team
Your journey was never meant to be traveled alone. Find the people who support you and lean into their wisdom and character. Have a generous spirit while supporting those in need, and give with an open hand. 
 
Be Prepared
Our 8th Grade students were reminded of the Leave No Trace principles. The first principle is to Plan Ahead and Prepare. Those who fail to prepare, prepare to fail. Since coming to High Meadows, 8th graders have been preparing for the time when they will start a new journey and carry forward the friendships, lessons learned, and memories with confidence and the mental fortitude necessary to succeed.
 
Before giving you my final tip, I hope you’ve discovered that Mr. West’s Hiking Tips are about more than just hiking. The skill set for a good hike can also be applied directly to your everyday life and journey through high school and beyond. 
 
My final tip is that you should…

Hike Your Own Hike
You and I are not meant to walk down the same path throughout our lifetimes. Be your own person, and don’t compare yourself to others. You are not meant to hike my journey when you should forge ahead to make your own.  

I wish you all the best on your next journey and remember these 10 tips for life:

1. It’s Not About the Miles, It’s About the Smiles
2. Find Your Bearings
3. Take One Step at a Time
4. Take a Zero Day
5. Travel Light
6. Have an Attitude of Gratitude
7. Face Your Challenges
8. Find Your Team
9. Be Prepared
10. Hike Your Own Hike