I recently got back from TREK! So today I will be sharing with you 5 things I learned + 5 things to know before you go!
5 things I learned from Trek
+We are SO blessed.
I think we all know this but sometimes we just need to be reminded of this. Trek reminded me again of how truly blessed we are to live in this day and age. On trek we had hot meals, a warm sleeping bag, a trail to walk on, shoes on our feet, decent weather, ponchos, bathrooms, etc, etc. We really don't have any idea what the pioneers went through. Trek is only a glimpse into the life of the pioneers.
+With God we are stronger than we think.
When I thought I couldn't possibly walk through mud any longer I would say a prayer and ask for help to keep going. I remember thinking there was no way I could put another foot in front of the other and I said a quiet prayer asking for help to keep going. Somehow I was able to continue on. When we ask for His help we can do SO much. As humans we are so limited, but with God nothing is impossible. Never ever forget that and never be afraid to ask for His help because He will help you.
+We only have 100% control over 2 things.
During a pre-trek meeting someone spoke and something they said stuck with me. (something like) "My dad always used to tell me that I only have 100% control over 2 things and that is our attitude and our effort. And they make all the difference." Think about that. Of the 2 things we have complete control over we don't always do our best do we? We need to have a great attitude and give our best effort in everything we do because they really do make ALL the difference.
+Enduring is so rewarding.
Trek wasn't easy and neither was enduring to the end. But it was SO rewarding. At the end all of our families were there to cheer us on and let me tell you that in that moment all those miles were so worth it. I am here to tell you to keep going and don't give up. It may be hard right now but it is SO worth it. Keep going. You've got this. Don't give up. :)
+Focusing on others is so important.
We were told that we thought we couldn't possible go any farther to go and talk to someone and try and make their journey go by a tad faster. When we aren't focusing on ourselves it not only makes it easier for them but also for you! Putting others before you is so very important and rewarding. Stop worrying about yourself and go help someone. Send someone a text telling them to have a good day. Smile at someone. Talk to that person who looks lonely. Serving others makes you feel so good and puts you in a better mood.
I think we all know this but sometimes we just need to be reminded of this. Trek reminded me again of how truly blessed we are to live in this day and age. On trek we had hot meals, a warm sleeping bag, a trail to walk on, shoes on our feet, decent weather, ponchos, bathrooms, etc, etc. We really don't have any idea what the pioneers went through. Trek is only a glimpse into the life of the pioneers.
+With God we are stronger than we think.
When I thought I couldn't possibly walk through mud any longer I would say a prayer and ask for help to keep going. I remember thinking there was no way I could put another foot in front of the other and I said a quiet prayer asking for help to keep going. Somehow I was able to continue on. When we ask for His help we can do SO much. As humans we are so limited, but with God nothing is impossible. Never ever forget that and never be afraid to ask for His help because He will help you.
+We only have 100% control over 2 things.
During a pre-trek meeting someone spoke and something they said stuck with me. (something like) "My dad always used to tell me that I only have 100% control over 2 things and that is our attitude and our effort. And they make all the difference." Think about that. Of the 2 things we have complete control over we don't always do our best do we? We need to have a great attitude and give our best effort in everything we do because they really do make ALL the difference.
+Enduring is so rewarding.
Trek wasn't easy and neither was enduring to the end. But it was SO rewarding. At the end all of our families were there to cheer us on and let me tell you that in that moment all those miles were so worth it. I am here to tell you to keep going and don't give up. It may be hard right now but it is SO worth it. Keep going. You've got this. Don't give up. :)
+Focusing on others is so important.
We were told that we thought we couldn't possible go any farther to go and talk to someone and try and make their journey go by a tad faster. When we aren't focusing on ourselves it not only makes it easier for them but also for you! Putting others before you is so very important and rewarding. Stop worrying about yourself and go help someone. Send someone a text telling them to have a good day. Smile at someone. Talk to that person who looks lonely. Serving others makes you feel so good and puts you in a better mood.
5 things to know before you go on Trek
+Prepare yourself physically.
Exercise in anyway possible a month or two before you go. You have no idea how much this helps. This will make it way easier and will help so you aren't so sore.
+Prepare yourself spiritually.
Not only do you need to prepare physically, you more importantly need to prepare yourself spiritually. Pray that you will learn something from trek and that you feel the Spirit. Read the scriptures daily and ponder their meaning and how it can help you on the trek.
+Learn about your pioneer ancestors.
For our trek you had to pick a pioneer ancestor to "walk for." You were supposed to find out as much as you possibly could about the person and you wore a bracelet around your wrist with their name on it to help remind you that if they can do it you can do it for 3 days. ;) I didn't even know I had ancestors that walked the plains so please take a little time and learn about them.
+Bring a padded bucket seat.
I don't know if this is what every stake uses but if your instructed to bring all of your belongings in a 5 gallon bucket chances are that will be your chair for everything. That bucket is what you sit on to eat and for everything! Seriously, invest in a padded bucket seat. (You can find them in sporting good stores or online.)
+Wear your shoes.
It doesn't matter whether you plan on wearing tennis shoes or hiking boots wear them lots before you go on trek. You will walk a long ways and I promise you that you don't want your feet hurting because of your shoes. So do your feet a favor and break them in before you go.
Exercise in anyway possible a month or two before you go. You have no idea how much this helps. This will make it way easier and will help so you aren't so sore.
+Prepare yourself spiritually.
Not only do you need to prepare physically, you more importantly need to prepare yourself spiritually. Pray that you will learn something from trek and that you feel the Spirit. Read the scriptures daily and ponder their meaning and how it can help you on the trek.
+Learn about your pioneer ancestors.
For our trek you had to pick a pioneer ancestor to "walk for." You were supposed to find out as much as you possibly could about the person and you wore a bracelet around your wrist with their name on it to help remind you that if they can do it you can do it for 3 days. ;) I didn't even know I had ancestors that walked the plains so please take a little time and learn about them.
+Bring a padded bucket seat.
I don't know if this is what every stake uses but if your instructed to bring all of your belongings in a 5 gallon bucket chances are that will be your chair for everything. That bucket is what you sit on to eat and for everything! Seriously, invest in a padded bucket seat. (You can find them in sporting good stores or online.)
+Wear your shoes.
It doesn't matter whether you plan on wearing tennis shoes or hiking boots wear them lots before you go on trek. You will walk a long ways and I promise you that you don't want your feet hurting because of your shoes. So do your feet a favor and break them in before you go.
I hope this can help some of you prepare for trek. Trek is an amazing experience and I hope you all get the chance to go sometime.
xoxo,
halee