When was the last time you saw the sunrise? And not, on your way to work or for your early morning run.. but on the highest peak, surrounded by nature and all it's serenity? 

On the 4th of July, we had the crazy idea of going for a crack of dawn hike to watch the sunrise. Thanks to my son, who continues to teach me that there is more to life than taking care of the house or kids, the week before he went to watch the sunrise with his friends and after seeing his Polaroid pics, I was envious.  I asked myself, when was the last time I said, “Screw it, let’s just go!” When was the last time I felt truly spontaneous? I have to say it’s been a while. For someone with a wild streak in her, I stayed pretty safe for way to long. Our spontaneity came after only 2 hours of sleep, more like a nap, (went to bed at 2am only to wake up at 4am) but we still decided to “Just Do It”.

Okay more like… I woke up before my alarm at 4am getting ready to text my sister in law and brother in law, so I could let them know I was indeed “awake” but if they were asleep I’d understand. Well, that didn’t happen, cause my brother in law was pretty quick to text to say “Let’s Go!” Of course, I never want to turn down a challenge (the challenge of actually getting my butt out of bed). And we headed out.

We hiked up to the “Pillbox”. This was my first time there. It was a fairly easy hike, but but going uphill on those rocks to the top of some cliffs, is pretty challenging early in the morning with 2 hours of sleep. Apparently when we got to the top, we weren’t the only ones with this crazy idea. It was packed with other thrill seekers.

Watching that sun rise was invigorating, almost a little reminder that it’s a new day, your alive, you have your health, and you have people that love you. New beginnings lay ahead and you have this opportunity to make the most of them. 

 

The sunrise was beyond perfect that day, I was thankful for the gift of sight… to be able to witness it. How do I even begin to explain the sunrise to someone who can’t see? I was thankful to be surrounded by people I love who share the same adventurous streak. I need to this more often.. get out of my element, my comfort zone and just go for it!  Too much of my life is sheltered around routine, it was indeed a great idea!

“A new day: Be open enough to see opportunities. Be wise enough to be grateful. Be courageous enough to be happy.”