With over 12,000 miles logged as a backpacker on six continents and a background as a professional musician and classical music host, Alison Young offers a unique perspective with engaging programs that connect us with the natural world and ultimately help us grapple with life’s challenges.
Insights include a deep dive into my cancer journey, intentional quitting, managing loss and regret, spiritual renewal and a search for lasting joy, plus regaining activity after two total hip replacements and the benefits of walking.
Appalachian Trail: the return
After a tough four months managing a cancer diagnosis and healing from surgery, I’ll return to the trail.
breast cancer trail: “you’re done”
I’ve reached the terminus of the breast cancer trail and it’s time to make the next steps my priority.
breast cancer trail: just be
Being curious rather than certain often reveals unexpected and beguiling mysteries.
breast cancer trail: thriver
“Thriver” reflects a more authentic cancer experience, the desire to reinvent as well as accept life as it is.
breast cancer trail: moments of normalcy
It’s week four I am and I am walking on trails where the wildlife welcome me back to my life.
breast cancer trail: strengthening
Pilgrims knew that walking is one of the best ways to find their spiritual center and heal.
breast cancer trail: healing
As I heal from surgery and slowly move back into my life, I ask the question, “Who do I want to be now?”
breast cancer trail: recovery
We received great news that there is no cancer in my lymph nodes, so I will not need chemotherapy or radiation.
breast cancer trail: bye-bye boobs
Blissful will have a bilateral mastectomy and reflects on having breasts before saying goodbye.
Managing Osteoarthritis
Motion is lotion, so they say and hiking is one of the best to slow the progress of arthritis.
a little anxiety goes a long way
Anxiety and fear in high doses can be detrimental to your health, but can also be harnessed to help you succeed.
Why I Quit Rushing and Went for the “Slowest Known Time” on the Teton Crest Trail
PSA: You Don’t Have to “Crush Miles” to Thrive as a Thru-Hiker
At the Speed of Andante
Classical composers walked in nature and were inspired to create some of the most enduring music in the world.
for the love of beauty on the Arizona Trail
On the Arizona Trail, I learned about love as a gift in the form of the desert bloom.
in search of joy on the Arizona Trail
On a muddy section of the Arizona Trail, I learned that joy is a choice.
quitting is awareness
Sometimes a “gut feeling” can send you a message to quit before you’ve had time to analyze data.