One's Craft

Beauty is the struggle. I remember back in 2021, my buddy Adrian and I hiked a long 19 mile hike around Ansel Adams Wilderness. We experienced every bit of the natural elements one can endure throughout a journey – rain, snow, hail, thunder, fog, cold, and heat all in one day. Much of the trail required experienced snow trekking. Our hike was covered in snow, so it made our journey all the more special. The rivers were roaring. It was early May, and the runoffs from the snow were in full display. Everywhere we’d turn, there would be rivers and waterfalls in every direction. The struggle was truly therapeutic. All I could feel internally was nothing. I was focused and determined to go to someplace I’m not sure what I’d expect, yet I continued to finish the unknown mission. Fast forward into the morning, and my body was hurting. I remember walking by myself, anticipating the sun to rise and illuminate the lake we had setup camp. I had my coffee in hand, and casually walked to an area I didn’t expect. Once the sun rose, there lit this beauty I saw outside and in. From that contrast, I saw the beauty and the struggle.