Elevation Gain

Vast expanses of canyon rock, textured by years of wind and water, rose up on either side of us as we braved the trail to Scout's Lookout and Angel's Landing.

It was a gradual climb at first, where we could still hold a conversation, walk at a leisurely pace and stop to take pictures

And then the switchbacks began - about a half mile up. Growing steeper and challenging our quads and our cardiac conditioning.

Pausing to catch our breath was almost ironic, as the scenery took our breath right back away.

I don't exactly know how far up we were when we took these photos.

But I remember looking back at the trail winding below us and thinking "Wow, we came from all the way down there?"

I was proud. Of the elevation gain we had made on this hike.

And of the elevation gain we've made in life.

I just got home from an amazing weekend at Zion National Park in Utah. The views of the mountains and the landscape took my breath away more times than I can count.

It left me with a sense of awe and a renewed desire to travel and appreciate life in a larger way.

The group of women I was with on this trip also took my breath away.

We came together through a leadership coaching group and I had never met any of them in person before.

Yet when we gathered at the lodge for the first time, it felt like we had been friends for years.

We share a common desire to grow and develop, to expand our minds, to achieve our goals and dreams and to be the best women we can be in all aspects of life.

We have an amazing coach who guides us, but all of us bring unique strengths to the table.

The trip was a beautiful mix of adventure and relaxation.

We shared the mutual feeling of respect and awe for the power and beauty of nature.

We shared the love of a nice glass of wine and laughter with friends after a long day of hiking.

We ate our dinners next to the river, with a backdrop of canyon wall behind us.

We spent time lying on the grass admiring the milky way in the darkest night I think I have ever experienced.

And we challenged ourselves to step out of our comfort zones. Physically and mentally.

I learned so much from each of these women on this trip.

About how to be a "badass" and own the amazing things I've accomplished in life.

About how to show empathy and understanding, yet hold others accountable.

About how to be an amazing mom, have a career and still be a woman too.

The importance of spending time with people who build each other up, who encourage each other and who have a growth mindset isn't lost on any of us.

Neither is the importance of visiting places on this earth that make you realize what a great big world there is out there.

And what a tiny piece of it we really are.

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