why our stories matter

What we create and release into the world can breathe life into an environment or it can suffocate it. When we tell our stories -- the real ones, raw and genuine -- we form connections with each other and with the places where the stories are received. Yes, the land holds our stories with us. 

Walking in the woods and hiking in remote areas like the New Mexican desert help me wrestle through what holds me back. When I came across the etymology of the word "bewilder," I was struck. When we're lured out into the wilderness, we have a choice. We can cower at the unfamiliar sounds and shadows or we can throw our arms out and start singing. 

We all have a wilderness inside of us that's waiting to be explored. This is the beauty, and I believe, purpose, of writing. We travel outside to travel inside. 

I began taking solo adventures in the remote outdoors to test my limits and make friends with the critic inside me. What I discovered was a deeper understanding of myself and the abundant grace of God.

I also got to marvel at just how dark the night sky can get.