On the eve of my first full day at Mountain Trek health spa, fitness and weight loss retreat in British Columbia – my head and heart were full of emotions. I thought that one way to capture this unique moment would be to write a letter to myself. Because one thing is to seek out wellness travel experiences, and another thing is to fully embrace the impact of wellness travel in our hearts, minds and bodies. The journey starts before the trip – as you prepare – and as you arrive.
It is hard not to be captivated by vistas that surround you in British Columbia – but several people have asked me “why should I take a wellness retreat?”
The view of Kootenay Lake from the Mountain Trek Lodge in Ainsworth, British Columbia.
My hope is that by sharing what I wrote to myself on that magical night… others might understand the journey that awaits – from beginning to end. (And yes, I will share my “post” Mountain Trek “ME” letter as well.)
Dear Me,
Nerves, excitement and wonder fill me as I prepare to sleep on the eve of what feels like a new beginning. I came to the wellness retreat at Mountain Trek for a fresh start. For learning. For inspiration. But also? For a challenge….and it is that challenge that makes my heart beat faster as the unknown of physical and emotional challenges lie ahead.
My expectations of weight loss during this week are realistic…but hopeful. More than wanting to shed pounds though, I know that I am being given a singular opportunity to dedicate my time and energy to my own health. I am being given a chance to absorb knowledge and to push my physical limits to break through a multi-year plateau that has plagued my every step.
I do not want to waste this chance. I do not want to regret not having given it my all….in yoga, on the hiking trail and during evening workouts.
But of course, there is a voice of fear that wonders…will I be able to keep up on trails with names like “Detox Hill”?….Will my aerobic capacity match my determination to carry a brisk pace? …Will my hip remain steady and able to support me?
I listened to our guide this evening as she unveiled the week ahead. I heard her tell us that for each hike, our large group would be divided into four smaller ones as the hike progressed. I nodded as she reiterated that the guides are there to challenge us – but also to support whatever we might need on any given day.
My brain accepted that there will be days of strength – but also days of weakness.
My heart on the other hand, wants to prove something on these canopied trails.
I know better….or at least I should know better. This week-long adventure marks a beginning. It marks a commitment to myself and my body – but also to my family who have suffered through the insecurities and weakness of my physical and emotional self over the last few years.
As we wrote down our goals tonight, I tried to hone in on what success would look like at the end of this week. Beyond moving a needle on a scale, putting into words my hopes and dreams for what seems like a monumental occasion is not easy. I have goals about using what I learn from the nutritionist once I am home. I have goals about learning to embrace the practice of yoga and for developing a strength routine.
But the more I think about it…I realize that my true goal is not measurable…it is not concrete. My true goal is to feel proud of myself. To know that I committed myself to a path and followed through…for the long term. To be able to look back at a hike and realize that I was stronger than the day before. To believe that I can….and I will.
I want to actually be able to deliver on what others perceive to be my strengths. I want to smile and say “Yes, I am” when someone marvels at my running another marathon instead of “…well yes, hopefully.” I want to look at a hiking map and know that I can get to the top instead of pretending that my concern about a trail is for my daughter’s sake.
I want to come back next year to Mountain Trek (yes, I know…I only just got here…but already the energy of the lake, the mountains and the people have left a mark on me)—with my mom. To show her that her daughter is strong and capable…instead of in tears just because. (And yes, I know that this is supposed to be about me…but for too long, my mom has walked on egg shells around me – perceiving my sadness and insecurity regarding my health and weight.) Or maybe with my husband – who for so long has wanted to support me but I have not known how to ask for help. I want to go to my next doctors appointment and report that I feel “good” instead of complaining about the laundry list of ailments that are all a consequence of what I have let myself become through time, choices and menopause.
So tonight, I will turn out the light and visualize “me” at the end of this week….re-reading this letter and smiling…
Love,
The “Before” Mountain Trek “Me”
*I was guest of Mountain Trek during my stay. I am thrilled to not just satisfy a long-time bucket list travel dream but to learn tools to create more opportunities for everyday wellness – and hopefully to inspire others to create their own wellness journeys. All opinions are my own and no other compensation was received.
Dear Diary: The Eve of My Mountain Trek appeared first on Live.Do.Grow by Elena Sonnino