One of the positive things about nature for me is what it teaches me. I recently set out for a hike in the woods at a reservation here where I live and my

intention was only to spend about an hour out but somehow I got disoriented and lost my way and eventually what turned into an hour hike was a three hour hike and a seven mile hike and getting lost vacillating between panicking and staying calm.

And eventually a woman was kind enough to drive me to the other side of the mountain

where I got my car and I was able to get out of the mountain. But what I

remembered and what was the thing I think that kept me calm was that I wrote a

list while I was trying to find my way, a list of all the things I wish I had known prior to starting.

And I eventually came up with a list of 20 items.

And I want to share a few of them here.

Follow the markers others have left behind. Remember where you

started. Know your coordinates. Turn back if you have to. Don't panic. Be prepared for detours.

I eventually shared this list with some young people I work with.

And what we realize is that not only were these helpful in a hiking situation, but

they're also helpful in life because sometimes you have to take detours.

Sometimes you need to ask for help.

Sometimes you will have to go back to the starting point. See us outside.

outside.

He bertos afuera.

Kagnao Ben-Y.

What you do do?

Nus be jia the faude. Ding nann mukamiso. Now bin Y. Why? What do you do? Nuz we shall afford it.

Ting then mokami is syllabus.

Hameh bahal deke.

...