A Matter of Perspective

Regular backpacking trips are the key to contentment.

- By Will McGough

I can feel the cool air coming off the lake as I exit my tent. The morning light is soft and inviting, casting reflections of pine trees on the water as I walk along the shore gathering sticks for another fire.

Last night I was grateful for the heat of the flames, content to just stare into their heart. Later, I lay out beside them and looked up at the stars. I slept well, with hot soup in my stomach and a hot water bottle on my belly.

Wise folks have told us that less is more for centuries, but nothing drives it home like a backpacking trip. And boy, did I need the reminder.

I recently bought a house in Palisade, Colorado. I moved here from Honolulu to get closer to the mountains, but lately life stresses have had their way with me. The vortex of being a new homeowner is indeed real and seductive. The list of things you "need" to do never ends, and everyone has an opinion or suggestion that adds to it. I love my family and friends, but sometimes the people closest to you cause the most frustration. Every time they come by or call, they ask about my house as if it's a patient in the ICU. What are you doing about the backyard? And the kitchen? Any plans to fix the bedroom?

This way of interacting is pretty normal for society I've done it to friends myself-but it drives home an unpleasant message: What you have is less than ideal and you can't possibly be settled, fulfilled, or happy until you change it.