Stillness in the Desert

I am at a point in life where I am craving knowledge, insight, and wisdom. I look for mentors everywhere I go. Each interaction with another individual gives me the opportunity to learn and to grow. And I sure have a lot to learn and a lot of room to grow! As I begin to mature into a fitness professional, it is crucial that I become a strong and confident woman so that I can best help those around me. So, after a weekend of fun at the Las Vegas with my awesome parents and two best friends, I stayed an extra night to learn and grow from one of my new favorite life mentors, Hillary Heard.

As a young runner, I looked up to Hillary because of her phenomenal running gift. Separated by age, we did not know each other growing up, yet we knew each other through our running stories through mutual friends. I have gotten to know her more now that she lives in Vegas than when we were in the same state. Timing is a funny thing.

God knows what he is doing when he puts certain people in your life. Hillary and I had the most thought provoking "life talks" I've ever had. My brain hurt after I left :) We talked mostly about running, dating, and thinking. One of the most pivotal points she made was talking about fear. People need to realize fear is a lie. It is something fabricated in our minds that inhibits us from truly living. Kind of like the quote "you'll miss 100% of the shots you don't take." We need to drive out things, like fear, that limit us from becoming the person we are supposed to become. She is truly an inspiring mentor. My favorite part of the trip was going on a run in the Red Rock Mountains.
There is an unparalleled quiet and stillness found in the desert. Something I never thought existed. We followed a trail to a warm springs bath and I did a few yoga poses on the rocks. It was so serene and peaceful. I wish I could take that spot (along with the dry air and lack of bugs)back home with me. A place I would visit each morning to clear my head. Thank you Hillary for sharing your thoughts on life. You are such a beautiful person inside and out.

Life is full of mentors. Go out and find them!