Best 5 Experiences of 2022

I was inspired by Extra Pack Of Peanuts Podcast to make this list, hopefully, next year I’ll post it earlier in the year. I hope it inspires someone else or reminds them to reflect and be grateful.

I have one honorable mention. My sister got married this year and while the wedding was amazing, that’s not the experience I’m thinking of. She asked me to make a speech at the rehearsal dinner. Of course, I was honored she asked but it isn’t exactly my forte. Although I was extremely stressed about it for months I’m so proud I did something I thought I’d never be able to do. I’m not sure it was the best speech but I did it. The relief and pride I felt after wasn’t something I’d ever experienced before.

#5 For my moms’s birthday present I took her to Chicago for the weekend. That Sunday was a relaxing and profound day.

We woke up and relaxed in our hotel room. My mom and Aunt talked over coffee. The sunrise was beautiful and I couldn’t resist taking photos.

After brunch, we headed to the Bahá’í temple for the Sunday service. My mom has always wanted to go but I loved it and was moved in a way I hadn’t been since Christian school. I don’t think I’ve completely unpacked my experience, maybe this year I’ll explore it further.

#4 The hike through the waterfall I did with my mom in New Hampshire. It was twice as long as I was expecting and hiking through water was also a surprise. If I went with anyone else we probably would have turned back. We had so much fun! It was definitely the journey over the destination kind of hike. It made me love traveling with my mom even more.

#3 Glamping in Ithaca. Glamping was and my bucket list and I’d love to go again.

#2 Beech Mountain, is another hike that surprised me. We took the shorter Beech Cliff hike first. Although the views were pretty it didn’t compare to the enjoyable climb and stunning sight from the top of the mountain. We wouldn’t have known we took the wrong trail if it wasn’t for a friendly stranger.

#1 Beehive trail, I’ve always wanted to hike a ladder trail and I’ve never experienced an adrenaline rush like that.

I don’t think it’s a coincidence that my mom is with me during all these experiences, I can’t wait to travel with her again!