The storm was getting worse. The darkest clouds I’ve seen propelled at, thrust over and tumbled past the mountain peaks, shoving the wind out front. I felt this mountain storm way before I saw it.

I’ve spent stretches of my life feeling very alone. And I have actually been alone at certain times and places. When I have chosen that, I relish in the time and the recuperation I receive from being alone. When the negative alone happens to me, it’s because I want something else to be true, not what is.

Picture this, an 11 year old, shy blond girl at a summer camp she was excited to do. Sweatered and skinny, she thought it might be a little cold yet for hiking this morning.