Every step on the trail is a step toward strength, courage, and connection. At She Ascends, we believe that women are unstoppable when we support each other. This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the power of women who lift each other up and rise together. As Malala Yousafzai once said, "We cannot all succeed when half of us are held back." When women encourage and empower one another, we all move forward. On the trail, we see it every day—women pushing past fears, cheering each other on, and finding strength they didn’t know they had. Hiking is more than just movement; it’s a reminder that we can overcome any obstacle, together. Oprah Winfrey reminds us, "Step out of the history that is holding you back. Step into the new story you are willing to create." Whether it’s hiking a new trail or taking a bold step in life, She Ascends is here to help women embrace new challenges with confidence. Michelle Obama once said, "There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish." This is the heart of She Ascends—every step we take is another step toward growth, adventure, and self-discovery. We see women breaking barriers on the trail and in life, proving that strength comes in many forms. Brené Brown reminds us, "Courage starts with showing up and letting ourselves be seen." We celebrate the She Ascends members who show up every day, authentically themselves, ready to connect and accept everyone on the trail. Their openness and kindness create a space where all women feel welcomed and supported. She Ascends Hiking and Wellness would not be possible without the incredible leadership of our She Ascends board: Jamie Broll, Janie Rundall, Donna Kent, Sheena Larson, Nicole Pokorney, Mindi Jenson, and Angie Wycoff. Their dedication and vision help shape She Ascends and guide it forward.
A huge shoutout to our Hiking Guides as well—these women are the foundation of She Ascends, leading the way and creating welcoming spaces for all who join our hikes. Their passion and commitment inspire so many to step outside, connect with nature, and discover their own strength. So today, and every day, let’s celebrate the women who inspire us, support us, and keep climbing. Together, we rise! Who inspires you? Read this month’s blog and join the conversation on our She Ascends Hiking and Wellness Facebook page. Comment on our Women’s Day post, tag the person who inspires you, and follow and like our page for a chance to win a She Ascends hiking T-shirt! We’ll draw a winner at the end of March as we celebrate the amazing women in our lives!
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Hike, Connect, and TransformThere is something special about going on an adventure. Hiking on a trail—feeling the dirt beneath your feet and breathing in fresh air—can change you. Hiking is more than just walking; it teaches us strength and patience. It connects us to nature’s beauty, helping us recognize it within ourselves and others. On the trail, we learn to listen to our bodies, support one another, and embrace the present moment. Nature strips away distractions, leaving us with movement and genuine connections. The best part of She Ascends adventures is the connections we build. Whether we’re singing happy birthday to a fellow hiker on an Icelandic glacier, reaching the top of Lembert Dome, gazing at the stars in Yosemite, or sharing laughter with a roommate, we grow happier and healthier through these experiences. Adventuring with strong, unique women builds confidence and lasting bonds—bonds that will hold you when you need a little support. YOSEMITE 2024 "Standing beneath the towering sequoias and hiking through Yosemite’s breathtaking landscapes reminded me of the strength and resilience we all carry within us. This adventure was more than just a trip—it was a journey of connection, discovery, and renewal.” “From the moment we arrived, there was an unspoken understanding that we were here for something greater than just exploring a national park. We laughed, we hiked, we supported each other, and we left with friendships and memories that will last a lifetime.” - Donna Kent "This was my first group traveling/hiking experience and I wasn't sure what to expect, especially since I hadn't really met any of the women I'd be traveling with. Any apprehension that I might have been feeling dissipated by the first night together though!. This experience turned out to be one of the most meaningful trips I've taken. All of the logistics, itineraries, accommodations were all taken care of, freeing us up to concentrate on disconnecting from the outside world and connecting with each other, and ourselves!! I would do it again in a heartbeat!! " - Amy Pond "I never expected a weekend in Yosemite to change me, but hiking with these amazing women did just that. We shared laughs, pushed each other up tough trails, and found strength we didn't even know we had - together. It wasn't just the mountains that were breathtaking; it was the bond we created along the way." - Sarah Conneran ICELAND 2023 "This adventure was more than just a journey—it was 37 unique perspectives coming together. Each woman was on an incredible path of connection, not only with herself but with the world around her. They deepened old bonds and formed new ones with strangers who, in the end, felt like lifelong friends." -M.E. Heald "Iceland was She Ascends’ first BIG adventure, and it did not disappoint. From glaciers to volcanoes, the land of fire and ice was breathtaking. But the true adventure was traveling with 37 incredible women. The bonds we formed—through shared experiences, connection to Iceland, and self-discovery—will last a lifetime. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to adventure with these amazing women." - Mindi Jenson The 2023 Iceland trip was nothing short of spectacular, filled with unforgettable experiences and connections. Significant memories for me were our nice warm soak in the Thermal River, the Lava Cave hike/tour and Glacier hike. (I’m convinced that our drink of the glacier water is the key to living to be 100 years young!) We enjoyed the most beautiful waterfall hikes, volcanic lava hike, and an amphibian boat ride amidst icebergs. The serene black sand beach where we actually did see a puffin was pretty epic. Our trip concluded with the ultimate relaxation at the Blue Lagoon Spa. Of course we also had to share a farewell toast, with shots of cod liver oil – when in Iceland, right? The She Ascends team really took care of every detail, making sure everyone was warm, fed, and cared for. I truly love the female fellowship and bonding that takes place with She Ascends. - Sharon Buysse What are you waiting for? Adventure awaits in Glacier National Park—let’s go explore!
It’s January again—the time of year when we feel pressured to make big resolutions for 2025. We promise to exercise more, eat healthier, save money, or finally break that one bad habit. But by July, many of us feel like we’ve failed, which can be discouraging. What if we tried something different this year? Instead of focusing on what needs to change, what if we paused to appreciate what’s already going well? By counting our blessings, we can see the good things we already have and find ways to build on them.
Counting our blessings is a powerful way to start the New Year. It shifts our focus from what we’re missing to what we have. This simple practice helps us develop a mindset of abundance, which not only brings us closer to our goals but also leads to a happier, more fulfilling life. Six Reasons to Make “Counting Your Blessings” Your New Year’s Resolution
Nature: The Perfect Place to Count Your Blessings Nature is a wonderful place to reflect on what we’re grateful for. Whether it’s a colorful sunrise, freshly fallen snow, or the sound of the wind in the trees, being outside reminds us to slow down and breathe. Nature helps us feel connected—to ourselves, to the world, and to our blessings. You don’t need to go far to experience this. Take a hike, sit in your backyard, or explore a nearby park—even in winter! Fresh air and the beauty of the natural world can help you feel calm and curious, making it easier to notice what really matters. A Year That Truly Counts This year, let’s focus on gratitude, connection, and self-discovery instead of chasing big resolutions. Let’s count our blessings, spend time outside, and cherish the small moments that matter most. Come Join She Ascends this year! Here’s to a New She Ascends Hiking Year! A Year filled with what really counts—our connections, our joy, and our gratitude! |
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