I’ve found it hard to post here lately, both because life has been happening so fast and I’m trying to enjoy it as much as I can, AND because I don’t want to add to the illusion (and disillusionment) of *the highlight reel.* So alongside these photos and videos from a magical hike a few nights ago, I hope you take a moment to read these words... Life has had some hard, tricky, sticky lately moments. Moving across the world just isn’t easy. And the record, it is NOT like this in Lofoten most of the time. We’ve had about 15 days of full sun this summer. When it is nice out, we do everything in our power to get out and enjoy the light, but it is FLEETING. Usually it is gray, cold, and/ or cloudy here. And sometimes on those days, I close my eyes and imagine hiking through the sun soaked trails of my Montana childhood. I just want to hug my family and listen to that familiar soundtrack of sandhill cranes, redwing blackbirds and tinkling aspen leaves. To visit my favorite wildflowers and mountain lakes. But then I remember that the exact feelings I remember are bound to a time that no longer exists. I’ve been realizing that I can gently carry those memories forwards, but none of us can ever go back, you know? Because for many of us, we idealize the past and forget the struggles of certain chapters. We think that a place or a person will heal us but actually being super uncomfortable is how we learn to be our own healer and find joy anywhere. We have to do the best we can with the current chapter we’re writing, and alchemize pain into wisdom. So I try to stay present, be right here and gently gaze forwards, to trust in those hard moments and learn to thank them for helping me grow. And honestly, even when it’s cloudy and gray outside, I’m learning to cultivate and focus on my own inner light that shines no matter the weather. Click the link in my bio to listen to the real, raw, conversation I had on the @outofcollective podcast. Enjoy! And let me know if you listen to it, and if it resonates 🥰❤️ . . . . . #happyplace #happyme #outsideisfree #mountainlove #mountainview #mountainlife #reflection #stunning #naturephotography #lofoten #visitnorway