Windows down. Wind whipping. Sun radiating. Radio roaring. Hair flitting.
Dunkin’ secured seat side. Lip gloss applied. Best friend banter.
I can’t help but reflect on how grateful I become with each passing day. Wishing only that I could live in this moment forever, as I extend my arm out the window, outstretching my fingers, and embracing the balmy early spring temperament. The past five months have felt like an eternity, and a single day all at once; making me consistently contemplate my perception of time. However, one thing is for certain…I don’t want it to end. During the irregular lulls of an immersive service, and packed personal itinerary, I find myself looking at the digital scrapbook of memories, carefully captured in my phone. Each photo is a time stamp, a milestone in development and experience, and a reminder of the benefits of simply existing.
Friends. Flowers. Mountains. Rivers, lakes, and oceans. Wildlife. Snow. Sunsets. Art. Lighthouses. Culture. Service shenanigans. New England charm. Hearty laughs. Candids.
And me.
While I have gotten in the habit of measuring my time methodically, accounting for each experience and associated 10¢ resume booster; I have found no better indicator of the progress of my illustrious ‘New England odyssey’ than myself. Thinking on it now, the interpersonal evolution I have undergone within the last few months alone may contribute more character development to my future autobiography than my previous 22 years of living. Everyday I am encouraged to positively critique my actions, thoughts, emotions, values, and goals; readily learning I am the principal in cultivating the desire to recieve. The results of my laborious personal revolutions are reflected by professional accomplishments, my mirror, persistent angel numbers, my spotify playlists (if we’re being honest…), and the glossy eyes of the fauna who visit me to share implicit moments nestled in the New Hampshire wilderness.
Independence. Intuition. Rebirth. Humility. Impending Change. Strength.
Red Fox. Coyote. Snowshoe Hare. Great Blue Heron. Crow. White-tailed Deer.
For the past week, I have been captivated by an indifferently expressed piece of sage advice from my host supervisor, Jill, in between handfuls of chocolate covered almonds and traversing rutted dirt backroads (with the other unoccupied hand of course). En route to our next RIVERS destination, and sensing an expression of uncertainty when probed on our intent post-service, she relayed earnestly, “Service is more than just gaining work experience. It's about finding out who you are, what you want to do, where you want to be, and what matters to you.”
As of late, I feel as though I have done nothing less.
While the heads of crocus arise, still dusted in soil and dew, and the fluorescent
warbling of amassed spring migrants resonates above…I bloom & sing too.
Hailey is a full-year member serving at Green Mountain Conservation Group. Learn about Hailey here!