Nudged: Invite a friend for a hike

I feel like I’ve given myself an easy task this week. The Nudge doesn’t say “Go on a hike,” it says only that I have to “Invite a friend for a hike.”

One phone call, email, or text message and I’m done.

Of course, I hope it turns into an actual hike…and soon. I’ve missed hiking. I’ve missed that kind of “quiet” you can only get when surrounded by nature. Phone off. Traffic too far away to hear. Being able to listen to my own inner voice and/or the voice of someone I adore.

Who will I invite? I can think of a few people I’d like to share this with. Maybe I’ll call them all and book several future dates.

What do you love doing? What have you not done in a long time? Who do you want to spend time with? As always, make this Nudge your own.

Meanwhile, please feel yourself virtually hugged as we bid adieu to 2023 and look forward to 2024.

With my best wishes for a happy and healthy new year, xoKathleen

What Happened: I wasted no time. As soon as I posted this Nudge, I called my sister, Carrie. We didn’t yet know our schedules for the week ahead, but we set the intention to get together for a walk or hike asap.

And then I got busy inspiring myself. First stop: AllTrails, a website that connects people to the outdoors. Enter in criteria as basic as your city, and options pop up. I discovered a bunch of trails and loops within a short distance of home. Excellent! I emailed my friend Erin and proposed we get together soon (weather permitting, of course) to explore a short hike with exceptional views.

Then I texted my friend Melinda who, back in December, drove about an hour to join me for a climb up one of the famous long staircases in my city. “It’s my turn to come your way,” I wrote. Are there staircases near her? Does she have a favorite trail or loop we could walk? I’m up for any adventure with her.

I felt pumped UP! So much to look forward to!

The stars aligned, and yesterday morning I met Carrie for a long walk in her town. We wandered over to a breakfast spot for a bit of sustenance, then wandered down to the walking path that frames the Bay, then wandered out onto the sand.

Along the way we talked about everything and nothing and all sorts of things in between. It was perfect. My heart is happy.

The Ah-Hahs: One reason I was able to take this Nudge beyond completion is I made the decision to take this week off. I had intended to take a break over the holidays, but personal and professional responsibilities bumped Me Time to the bottom of my to-do list. That is insane. I’ve earned vacation time (even though–or maybe especially because–I don’t get paid PTO). I’ve desperately needed a break (and errand-filled weekends don’t count) to rest and breathe and listen to my own thoughts. So last Friday, after sending a big project to a client at the end of the day, I switched on vacation mode and checked out.

I hope to be more intentional about saying “No” to others and “Yes!” to me in 2024, and I hope you will be too.