All this space, just for me.
Usually after meeting someone, it is rare that I ever see them again. The transience of trail life suits me well, because I'm not out here to make deep long-lasting friendships. Like I've said before, my main focus on the trail is my own happiness, something that I have neglected for too many years.
But old habits die hard, and despite wanting to be selfish and worry just about me, I've found myself empathizing with many of the lost souls on the trail. The AT tends to attract lonely, troubled people who are out here because they just don't know where else to go or what else to do. Maybe I'm just in a mini-bubble of stragglers who are struggling with personal demons. At the moment I feel like I'm in the minority, because I'm out here out of joy not sorrow.
It might be a personality flaw, but I tend to attract lost causes. Despite trying to focus on me, I still can't say no to people who seem to need my help. My empathy is my biggest obstacle. Out on the trail, most people are looking for someone who is willing to listen. Even individuals providing trail magic seem to be just searching for a way to connect with other people for a little while. It seems like such a little thing, but for people who are lonely or hurting, knowing that there are people who understand their plights makes life just a little bit better.
Old man came out to the trail to have lunch because he just wanted someone to spend the time with.
Being on the trail is helping me better balance the needs of others versus my own needs. While I used to get bogged down trying to make everyone else happy, out here I can literally just walk away when someone else's problems start to hinder my happiness. The trail provides the perfect excuse for moving on and making sure that my happiness stays my number one priority.
Happy selfies :)
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