"Just To Smile And Laugh....."

"The most wasted day of all is that on which we have not laughed." N. Chamfort

I have never laughed so heartily, and so long, as when out during an adventure... These last weeks I have needed to make real efforts to recall moments that are not just filled with sadness. During times of severe adversity and personal challenge; others have shared with me that while tears may be cleansing... laughter is inherently healing...

And when I muse closely on those moments of deep meaningful laughter, I feel that there must be something in the air out there, don't you think? Something that touches all the levels within us, particularly the gifts we have been given in our ability to experience real joy, hope & happiness, especially humour & fun...

We often feel so childlike, so playful, so full of freedom and life when wandering among the wild places... And amazingly this can be just as true right in the midst of powerful storms and swirling elements... It is just as true even in regards to severe exposure on some knife edge ridge route; also true in knowing the inherent risks usually present in adventure challenges...

And paradoxically true as well in spite of achieving what are often ephemeral rewards...

Besides... having such fun and simple moments of smiling and laughter out there reminds us not to take ourselves so seriously even when we focus so closely upon what we are doing...

I remember... the smirks with a climbing friend when we both wanted to lead, and then when we both didn't... The smiles of my partner when we each know without even saying what the other is appreciating out on the waters of a sea kayaking trip...

I remember... such sustained wild laughter during an ascent of sleet, snow, and high winds...

I remember... even the joyful tears that seem to contrast with the toothy smiles we find ourselves with when we finally reach that elusive summit...

Maybe... the real payoff... the true reward... is in these simple enjoyments out in our wild places... and in being free to return and to be able to just smile and laugh... time and time and time again.....

DSD