Scouting the Path … and Finding Our Way

Early this morning, Hayley and I met at 8 a.m. to scout 7 Mile Creek Park, the setting for our very first Core Collective gathering. The sun was shining, the air was crisp at a brisk 44 degrees, and we set out on Trail 1… a “moderate” 0.7 miles of flat terrain. Easy enough, we thought.

But as it turns out, endorphins can make you a little overconfident. When we spotted a trail marker listing 1 and including 9A (which the legend labels “Difficult – Steep”), we cheerfully interpreted it as a natural continuation of Trail 1. Spoiler: it was not.

Now, let me just plead my case… I am good with details… when I choose to be. This was not that moment. Halfway up the incline, breathless and laughing, we realized our mapping mistake. But it was beautiful. The forest canopy glowed in morning light, the1/2-mile steep climb tested our legs and our resolve, and when we reached the top, the sun greeted us like an old friend… shining on our faces, reminding us that yes, we would, in fact, catch our breath again. And that feels, at the core, what our hope for this program will produce for the women who show up, and that was not lost on us.

With a shared high-five and a few “look what we accomplished” chuckles, we headed back down toward Trail 1, feeling equal parts accomplished and alive.

And that’s really what you can expect from us at the Core Collective. We’ll take the wrong turn first, so when you arrive, you can simply enjoy the path, experience the beauty, the connection, and the joy of being in community with women who are finding their own way, too.

We can’t wait to see you this Saturday at 7 Mile Creek … and don’t worry, we’ve got the map covered this time. 😉