No Apologies Are Necessary

women on hiking retreat in Grand Canyon in winter

I WILL NO LONGER APOLOGIZE FOR BEING ME Hiking alongside our clients in the Grand Canyon last month, my co-leader, Bronwyn and I were shocked by the number of “I’m Sorry’s” and unnecessary apologies being used in conversation. Here, these amazing and strong-willed women were apologizing for hiking too fast or being too slow, for … Read more

Power of Storytelling

hiking retreat in the grand canyon with Sara Schulting Kranz

Mission: I am … a guide that leads you
to release your fears and
Scale Your BadAss Grand Life

Every day we are writing our Life Story. Every new experience, new relationship, new moment in life become words within our Personal Novel. These words become paragraphs – the paragraphs become chapters. Some people choose to share the chapters in their lives with others … and some people don’t.

I truly believe that this is the year of StoryTelling.

This is the year when both women and men will choose to stand up and share their Life Story with one another. I believe that in the pursuit of sharing, we are guiding and helping each other.

In sharing, we are telling others, “I have been there. You are not alone.”

In sharing, we are telling others, “It’s ok to cry. To laugh. To scream. To forgive.”

In sharing, we are healing others … and ourselves.

One of my favorite quotes: “You are only as sick as your secrets.” My hope and challenge for you in 2018 is to find the courage to share chapters of your own life – and listen to those sharing theirs.

This world needs to see that “In Differences, We Find Our Likenesses”…. contribute to the conversation and together, let’s be a #ForceOfChange.

hiking retreat in the grand canyon with Sara Schulting Kranz

Sara In The Red Heels: TIP about Hiking or Health

Buy a Compass. This has been a regular joke on the trails … one of which I will share more of in my upcoming book. Know where the sun sets (the West) and where the sun rises (the East).

Be Aware of the Direction you are Headed.

Both in Life … AND on the Trail!

 

taking #MeToo a step further … #WhyIt’sImportantToListen … and how #MyRedHeels came into play

red heels on mountain top

This campaign has stirred up so many emotions for me this past week. I’ve had conversations with friends, discussed this with clients, lost sleep on it, slept on it, read others’ blog posts and followed those who have said #MeToo. The numbers are astounding.

Society needs to not only allow victims to speak up – we also need to listen. And here is why.

I experienced sexual assault as a teenager. In a town of 1,100 people where this sort of thing “just doesn’t happen”, I lost many friends and heard the whispers of “did it really happen”.
I went to the police. They didn’t believe me and refused to press charges.
I had to get a restraining order on the man who assaulted me in order to feel safe.
To say that I-and those closest to me-went through Hell is an understatement.

Luckily, I have an amazing family and an incredible group of friends who supported me through it all. I learned a lot about life. I learned a lot about MY life.

I am, quite honestly, stronger today because of what I went through.
I have courage. I have strength. I have learned the importance of believing in others.
I tried to use my voice. It wasn’t enough then. Hopefully it is enough now.

I have Forgiveness for the man who raped me.

Now a Life and Leadership Coach, I share my stories for others to learn from. I climb mountains and paddle deep into the ocean without fear. I guide women/men through adversity on Coaching and Hiking Retreats throughout the United States. I speak out for Human Empowerment and I believe in the Goodness of Mankind. I carry my red heels to every Summit and put them on as a Testament that despite all of which has happened, “I Love the Woman and Mom that I Have Become.”

I am, quite honestly, stronger today because of what I went through.
What haunts me isn’t that it happened. What haunts me is that had others listened and had the police believed me, he could have been stopped from trying to do it again.
I tried to use my voice. It wasn’t enough then. Hopefully it is enough now.

Please read below an excerpt from my writing. This is what it felt like for me, from a young woman’s perspective:

“Going to the police station to file the initial charges was incredibly intimidating. Trembling, I had to look the policemen in the eyes, these total strangers, and tell them what had happened. Saying out loud that I had been raped felt so degrading. Throughout the investigation, I felt this fearful vulnerability as I knew that they were rejecting my words and questioning my honesty. Imprinted upon my memory is their steely, judging gaze. Explaining what had happened with every painstaking detail, I relived that night over and over again. In the end, I was not believed. The investigators concluded that my case held insufficient evidence to warrant charges being pressed. My case was dropped. My faith in others was waning-who could I trust?

My mom insisted that I face my greatest fears in order to come out of my shadows of shame. She exclaimed, “We are going to walk down Main Street together. You are going to hold your head high. I will walk beside you.” In the late afternoon and into the evening, Mom would walk beside me. Step after step, she offered words of encouragement: “Smile with confidence and don’t let others’ judgments define you.” Slowly I became used to our mother-daughter jaunts. Slowly people would approach me to say hi. The strength of my mother’s unconditional love and fortitude at that time was the place I recharged my own wavering courage. My mom forged the path of healing through those walks. I never imagined the impact that the simple act of walking would have on my life. Those walks provided a far greater impact on my ability to face my anxiety at that time, as well as preparing me for the life I lead today as a Coach and Wilderness Guide. The first stages of my resilience training was placing one foot in front of the other while continuing to believe in myself.

Yet even through it all, I began to have this unresolved feeling in the pit of my stomach, “If others and the authorities didn’t believe me, did any of this really happen?” Sadly, due to society, I began to question my own mind. I begged for God to send me a message from above. I needed to know that I was not going crazy.

I needed affirmation to not doubt my own judgement. I waited a long time for that affirmation, and it came at a price.

A few years later, when I was a college student working a typical day at my waitressing job, I served a couple who struck up a conversation with me. After a few glasses of red wine, the woman quietly inquired, “Do you know …(?)…?” I desperately wanted to flee. My knees locked and froze as I cautiously responded, “Yes, why?” It was my perpetrator.

Needless to say and without going into painful detail, he tried on her what he had done to me. Immediately I knew this was the affirmation that I needed to fully move on in my life. As painful as the exchange was with this woman, it was something that we both, coincidentally, needed to hear. We were not alone. This did happen to us-it did not have to be that way. We believed each other.”

This is the first time I have shared my story in writing and spoken publicly of any of this. I can only hope that-this time-it is not in vain.

I am, quite honestly, stronger today because of what I went through. But let me make it clear: I would not wish this sh#t on anyone. Not even my perpetrator.
I tried to use my voice. It wasn’t enough then. Hopefully it is enough now.

My plea, my biggest plea to all of you is simply this: LISTEN.
If someone tells you something, do not push their words aside or dismiss their experience.
Be empathetic. Have the courage yourself to hold space for the other person.

Support and love one another. You may never know who’s world you are shifting in the process.

In the words of Maya Angelou, “When you know better … you do better.”

Peeps … we know better. Please, let’s all do better.
xo
Sara

“It is a Joy to be Alive! Life is What You Make It.” ~ Jim “Papa” Reach

person in front of metal cutouts

from the village of Cizur with Pamplona in the distance

I have had three various people ask me this week, “Where do YOU go to find guidance in your life?” Smiling as the words passed through my brain, visions of all my Elder Friends flashed before my eyes.

My Elder Friends=My Guidance Buddies

As a society, we take for granted those that are older than us. I don’t understand why. Why would you put down a good book that holds the key to life when it sits before you?  I gain so much insight and wisdom from those that are older than me, many of which I have sat and talked up while resting trailside.  Some of those elder friends of mine have become my best friends.

I think about Ken Hayes, who at 77 years old was hiking up the North Kaibab Trail in the Grand Canyon.  Seeing him alone, I knew he had a story to share. Stopping to rest alongside him, we talked life.  I learned it was his birthday.  I learned about his family, his life, his Conquest in the Canyon.  His blue eyes showered me with kindness, empathy, and knowledge about living.  We instantly became best friends.  As my life fell apart and back together again over the last three years, I called Ken for guidance.  His own Life Journey and Experiences gave me Wisdom and Clarity for my own.  Coincidentally, it was his cabin in the Appalachian Mountains where I chose to escape and write much of my upcoming book.

Every so often, I ask Guest Bloggers to write about their experiences in life.  At 77 years old, Jim “Papa” Reach is a man unlike many men that I know.  He also Chooses to Truly Live and Live Boldly.  “Papa” Reach’s grandkids and my middle son went to the same school.  I would often times see “Papa” Reach at sporting events, coaching alongside his son, always a part of bettering our community.  He is a true inspiration, role model, and one that Values his family and friends beyond anything in life.

“Papa” Reach recently hiked The Camino de Santiago, a pilgrimage route to the shrine of the apostle St. James the Great in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia in northwestern Spain, where tradition has it that the remains of the saint are buried.  Many follow its route as a form of spiritual growth and enlightenment.  Please enjoy reading about “Papa” Reach’s trek, taking nuggets of his journey and applying them to your own.  That is what learning from your Elder’s is all about.

Thank you, Jim “Papa” Reach.

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Put more emphasis on the inner path rather than the physical one.  Live everyday to the fullest, but don’t be in a hurry.”

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF:

I am a 77-year old graduate of the University of California, Los Angeles that has been happily married to my wife, Carrie Patrick Reach, for 54 years.  We are active, retired college teachers that reside in Newport Beach.

We have three successful children, and seven special grandchildren that all live in southern California.

As I mentioned above, I am active.  Always have been.  Athletics have always been a part of my life—as a participant and coach in high school and college, and then as a college baseball coach. 

After completion of college, I was a recreational runner for years until my knees no longer allowed me to.  I then switched to biking where I rode for years until I had back complications.  About fifteen years ago, I turned to daily walking.  I currently walk 4-6 miles six days a week.  I am a member of the Newport Beach Oasis Senior Fitness Center where I stretch daily and lift light weights every other day.

Satchel Paige, the great baseball pitcher from years past, who was still pitching at the age of 60, was once asked how he continued to have success in his field at such a late stage in his life.  He replied, “Keep moving.  Don’t look back.  Someone might be gaining on you.”  I have tried to follow this advice throughout my adult life.

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TELL US ABOUT YOUR LATEST ADVENTURE.  WHAT PROMPTED YOU TO TAKE ON THIS CHALLENGE?

I am an advocate of PBS television and about ten years ago I was watching a Rick Steve’s travel documentary on Spain’s Camino de Santiago.  I was intrigued. 

As walking became a part of my daily schedule, I met many people on the sidewalks and in the canyons of Orange County.  Earlier this year, I met a 71-year old woman while hiking Bomer Canyon in Irvine.  She had recently completed the Camino de Santiago (482 miles across northern Spain) in 45 days by herself.   She plans to do it in the opposite direction next year.  Her story was amazing.  I was now more than just intrigued.

Then I saw the movie “The Way”  (2010), starring Martin Sheen, about a father/son relationship that ended up with the father paying homage to his son’s death by walking the Camino.  I was “hooked”.  I now believed I could do this. 

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WHAT WAS YOUR GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT DURING YOUR ADVENTURE?

I originally planned to complete the Camino in somewhere between 31-35 days, averaging 15 miles a day.  At the completion of my walk to Santiago de Compostela, I had covered the Camino Frances walk in 28 days, including a one day stop to rest in the city of Leon.  I averaged just under 18 miles per day on the trail.

While waiting in line to receive my compostela (certificate of completion) in Santiago, I was answering questions regarding my trip when the interviewer mentioned to me that he had met with 100 pilgrims this day and at age 77, I was the oldest one to complete the journey.  Cool!

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the entrance to where the bulls enter the Plaza de Toros in Pamplona

WHAT WAS YOUR BIGGEST CHALLENGE DURING YOUR ADVENTURE?

I missed my family.  I knew I would.

It is particularly important to stay focused on the walk—particularly when going downhill.  Contrary to what many people may think, it can be more difficult when descending—at times easy to lose your balance.

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DID YOU EVER HAVE A MOMENT WHERE YOU QUESTIONED YOURSELF, ABILITIES, OR DECISION TO TAKE ON THIS ADVENTURE?  IF SO, WHAT DROVE YOU TO CONTINUE?

Yes. 

I was well aware that the first day of the trek (going thru the Pyrenees Mountains) would be the most strenuous.  However, I had no idea that it would be as difficult as it turned out.  The first day’s walk from St. Jean Pied de Port, France to Ronscevalless, Spain left me totally spent. 

I had trained for months here in southern California with my intention being that the actual Camino would end up being easier than my training walks.  I was shocked.

After analyzing my first day on the Camino, I believe that getting only 3 hours sleep in the two days prior to my departure from St. Jean Pied de Port was the major reason for my struggle. 

Upon arrival in the late afternoon at SJPDP, my original plan was to take a day to get acclimated before beginning the Camino.  Energy and euphoria got the best of me.  I strayed from my original plan and left amidst darkness the next morning.  It was a long day and I paid the price.  Thus, I finished day 1 with doubt as to whether I could do this.

When I awoke on the morning of day 2, I was refreshed and full of the three “V’s”—vim, vigor and vitality.  There was no longer any doubt.  I was moving on.

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WHAT ARE SOME OF THE THINGS THAT YOU LEARNED ABOUT  YOURSELF OR OTHERS ALONG THE WAY?

I had heard and read about locals welcoming pilgrims all along the way for centuries.   I found this to be true.  Goodwill was embedded throughout my journey.  I witnessed many instances where individuals (both peregrinos and locals) went out of their way to assist others. 

A dilemma I was faced with in my early preparation for the Camino was whether to walk alone or with a fellow traveler(s).  While there is security in numbers, I chose to walk alone.  I looked forward to doing what I wanted to do when I wanted to do it.  This is not easy to do when you are traveling with companions. 

There were numerous instances along the way that I enjoyed the company of fellow peregrinos, but the bottom line was I looked forward to the start of each day’s challenge alone with great anticipation.

In conclusion, I can say that I felt much safer traveling alone in Spain then I would have here at home in the United States.

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WHAT SURPRISED YOU THE MOST ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY?

Unquestionably, the weather.  I was on the trail for 27 days without rain.  This is unheard of in northern Spain.  There is a saying that “The rain in Spain falls mainly on the plain”.   To make a long story short, it didn’t (rain).

Before reaching the western region of Galicia, it had rained for 7 consecutive days in the area of Santiago de Compostela.  The day I arrived, the rain stopped.  I spent 3 days in the city with exceptional weather.  Two days later, while in Madrid, I checked the weather forecast for SDC.  It said rain was expected for the next 7 days.  Go figure.  Someone was watching over me.

Another factor that allowed me to progress across the country at a much faster pace and cover more ground was the fact that I experienced no foot problems on my journey.  I was pain free throughout the trip.  Many peregrinos suffer from blisters and/or ankle problems.

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DID YOU MEET ANY NEW PEOPLE?  HOW?

Along the trail and stops throughout the way, I met and walked with peregrinos from all over the world.  Many have asked me where these pilgrims came from.  I tell them it is easier and quicker to list the countries they didn’t come from.

HOW HAS YOUR EXPERIENCE CHANGED YOU?  WHAT LIFE LESSONS DID YOU LEARN?

It didn’t.  I was not looking for a life changing experience.

I feel very good about my life.  I am in excellent health and blessed with a wonderful wife and family.  It doesn’t make any difference how old you are if you have your health.  It is a joy to be alive.

If I am 100 years old and feel good, then I want to be around.

Life is what you make it.

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WHAT ARE YOU HOPING OTHERS TAKE AWAY FROM YOUR EXPERIENCE?

Put more emphasis on the inner path rather than the physical one. 

Live everyday to the fullest, but don’t be in a hurry.  Enjoy the people and sites around you.  I picked up a new expression along the Camino—“Tether your camel!”  I like it.  Stop and smell the roses.   

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WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE ELSE CONSIDERING A CHANGE WITHIN THEIR OWN LIFE?

Ask yourself:  Why am I doing this? 

Discovering who you are may be more important than where you are going.  

You have the power!  If the plusses outweigh the minuses, go for it!  A positive mental attitude will produce and maintain success.

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WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU?

I am planning a surprise for my 80th birthday.  In the meantime I am just going to keep moving.

WHO INSPIRES YOU?

My wife.  My grandchildren.

IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE?

Yes!  The recipe for stuffed zucchini blossoms I ate along the Camino.

            20 fresh zucchini flowers

            ¾ cup cooked wild rice

            1/4 cup finely chopped onions

            1/4 cup finely chopped mint

            1/4cup finely chopped tomatoes

            1/4 cup finely chopped mushrooms

            4 eggs

            1 ½ cups flour

            ¾ cup x-tra virgin olive oil

            ½ cup fresh lemon juice

            salt

            pepper

            Mix the rice with all the chopped ingredients, ½ cup olive oil and lemon juice.  Take small amounts of the mixture and stuff the zucchini flowers.  Fold over the ends to seal the stuffing inside.

            Separately whip the eggs.  Dip the flowers into the whipped eggs and then coat them with flour.   Salt and pepper to taste.  Fry with the remaining olive oil in skillet until lightly browned.

ENJOY! It doesn’t get any better.

BUEN CAMINO!

Reinvent Yourself, Reclaim Who You Are… Loving Life with Blue Turquoise Nails

Sara blue nails

December, 2016

I am a beautifully tarnished 43 year old woman in the process of starting over.

We all seem to have “date and age expectations” in life. So silly, yet true. We have these expectations that are put upon us before we are even born. There’s a due date for our birth. We will walk by the age of 1, read full sentences by the age of 5. Puberty will hit by 14 years of age. And God Forbid, you will have your license at age 16, be voting in these insane elections at age 18, married by 30… blah blah blah.

Freaking Expectations. Thanksgiving Eve, 2013. A few months after my 40th birthday, when I “should have” felt as if my life was amazing, all of my Expectations in life were obliterated. My foundation crumbled around me and in an instant, both myself and my family would be forever changed. My 17-year marriage collapsed; much of what I thought to be true, wasn’t. Without going into details (you can read the book when it’s published), I can honestly now say … 

IT. SUCKED. BIG TIME. I was NOT expecting that!

My Expectation of being married for 50 years to a life partner that would desire to explore the world with me was now Shot to Hell. Gone. Instead of having those unspoken expectations of my future, I was now grieving its loss. Vanished in the blink of an eye.

I was suddenly the “everyday mom” finding herself in a new unexpected space. My life was changing and I needed to change, too. I needed to pull myself up by the bootstraps and start over. I needed to love myself and my values. I needed to find a new identity.

So I decided: “F@ck Limiting Expectations”

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I realized my need to throw out all Expectations of myself. By setting aside my Expectations, I discovered that it gave me the mental space to realize that I AM far greater and deserving than the Limited Expectations I had once put on myself. Belief systems of what I “should be” were now squashed by what I “could be” and “would be”.

Not having Expectations provided me the space to grieve, get angry, and find hope. I would walk down to the Pacific Ocean at 2 am, sit on the 28th Street lifeguard stand, and cry myself into exhaustion. In my despair, I begged God for guidance, clarity and strength. Staring at the moon, I yearned for a sign from above telling me what to do in my life.  

One minute I would feel hopeful and euphoric about my life, and in the very next moment I would find myself doubled-over in pain from fear of the unknown. Yes, I had fear. I had a lot of fear for our future.

Many times that fear of the unknown caused me to fall apart at the seams. My seams were ripped apart, torn, and shredded. I thought that I knew who I was at 40 years of age. And yet, I didn’t. Not fully, anyway. Now I was finding out what I was truly made of.

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My life shifted greatly when I decided to try new things. I began to realize that I am far greater than the Expectations I or others had placed upon me. When I thought I could only run a marathon, I decided to try a 50 miler for the Hell of it. I did it. When I thought I couldn’t stand up paddle for more than 5 miles, I asked myself, “Why not?” I decided to join 50 other crazy people and paddled 22 miles to Catalina Island, ran a marathon, and paddled back home again. I did it.  When I drove to the Grand Canyon in May, 2014, I had no idea I’d be hiking it Rim to Rim. Yet I stood looking into the expansiveness of the Canyon from above and thought, “If he can do it, so can I.” I did it. Every time that I tried something new, I realized the old me dissolved giving way to a far more integrated me.  

I chose to stretch myself mentally and physically, placing Unlimited Potential for my new life and growing in ways I never thought possible. And that’s why I began my business and decided to write my book.

I’m doing it.

I had zero idea what I was getting myself into. Honestly, zero. I didn’t and still don’t have this “Grand Plan”. In place of a “Grand Plan”, I have “Grand Dreams” full of creative ideas, visions, and concepts yearning to be shared. I just want to be me. I want to inspire, educate, give back, and have others realize that they can do it, too. That “Grand Expectation Plan” was thrown out the window on Thanksgiving Eve, 2013. It sucked and still does, and I can’t change it. However, it’s made me realize that I am far more than the much dimmer Expectations I had set on “the old me.”

Yay for Life Crap Happening.

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Fast Forward: Thanksgiving, 2017.

For the very first time, I chose to do Thanksgiving without my ex-spouse. Instead, my boys and I went to a friends house. At this beautiful feast with wonderful friends, my dining partner was a sweet five-year-old girl. Looking down, I noticed her tiny fingernails were all neatly painted. Taking a look at my nails, I noticed how mine were aged and beaten up from my daily grind. Being a mom of three boys, active herself, and always doing chores around the house, I never saw the point of perfect nails. I hadn’t painted mine in years. I guess I just expected them to look “barely presentable”. And yet, in that moment, I wanted what those nails represented: to be a girl again and take care of me. I asked the little girl if she would paint my nails for me. Excitedly using beautiful blue turquoise nail polish (ideal for the ocean lover that I am), she painted my nails perfectly imperfect. With every stroke of the brush, I was reclaiming a new me. A girlish me. One that had been set aside for far too long.

So now, for the first time in my life, my nails have been painted for two solid weeks.

Two. Solid. Freaking. Weeks. Who would have thought two weeks ago?

I CHALLENGE YOU, IN THESE LAST FEW WEEKS OF DECEMBER, TO ASK YOURSELF THIS:

What new things can you take on in 2017? 

Push your Limiting Expectations aside, get Adventurous, and see What is Possible… I’m finding it’s even more fun trying life on with beautiful blue turquoise nails.

Life After the PCT: How to Keep Walking

hiker on Pacific coast trail

I met Zachary Kermicle through my cousin. Like most “trail people”, I was drawn immediately to his wit, humor, curiosity for life, and his insane ability to seep every ounce of consciousness from his adventures. Zac Lives Boldly.

We are all in such a hurry every day. Appointments, work, family, life, school … you name it. What I love most about the trail? The hurry of life disappears. You meet people over someone else’s timing, making it possible to create new connections. Simplicity trumps chaos as you realize how completely relatable that we all are to one another.

Enjoy my new trail friend, Zac. Originally from Nairobi, Kenya, he now resides in Colorado. An incredible 27 year old man, I’m thankful he has chosen to share a lesson learned from the Pacific Crest Trail with all of us. In his own words …

Follow Zac (aka Zac Sparrow):

Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/fearlesssparrow?fref=ts

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/zac.sparrow/

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Life After the PCT: How to Keep Walking

I just walked from Mexico to Canada. I hiked 2,650 miles over the course of 158 days. The PCT, or Pacific Crest Trail, courses through five national monuments, five state parks, six national parks, 25 national forest units, and 48 federal wilderness areas. The trail crosses over 57 major mountain passes and dips into 19 major canyons while meandering past more than 1,000 lakes and tarns. It may have been the hardest thing that I’ve ever done, but it was without a doubt the best experience of my life. And now, it’s over…

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Life on the trail teaches you many things.

From learning to appreciate each day for what it is, to taking those days just one at a time, the PCT is full of valuable life lessons. As a hiker, it’s up to us to then apply those lessons learned in an everyday manner, but sometimes that can prove to be difficult.

First and foremost, I didn’t want the trail to be over. I still don’t. The people that I met and the experiences that I had were so beautiful and so powerful that I have tears running down my face right now as I’m typing this. I miss my friends. I miss the quiet of the pine forests. I miss the simple day to day routine. I miss hiking…

Besides not wanting the hike to end, I wasn’t exactly stoked to return to ‘real life’ either. Not having much contact with the outside world for almost half a year couldn’t have come at a better time. I was not excited about plugging myself back in. My only real concerns on trail had been food, water, and shelter. That’s it. Life moved at 3 miles an hour, and you could really see it. You could smell it. I didn’t want to return to life at 60 m.p.h., with cell phones and Facebook, fluorescent lights and microwaves, Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton… But, I did. I had to. Knowing full well that it had to happen sometime, I got in a car and drove back into reality.

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I’ve now been done hiking for exactly one month.

I returned to my parents’ home in Madison, Wisconsin to visit friends and family, and to take some time to decompress and reflect on my journey. During the course of the last month, I’ve been thinking a lot about my fears. It’s funny, thinking about fear after having just completed something that encapsulates a lot of people’s fears in life. I went with little to no access to technology or the outside world. I ate boring food, and a lot of the same. I didn’t have regular access to showers or laundry, and the thought of using things like makeup or deodorant was laughable.

I was hot, hungry, sweaty, tired, cold, wet, and I hurt all over, but I’ve never been happier.

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The hardest part of the trail was finishing it.

I felt like Superman because of how impervious I was to things like physical pain or discomfort, the elements, and the mental challenge of walking almost 3,000 miles, yet when the trail started to come to a close, I was afraid. I was afraid of missing my trail family, of getting too settled back into ‘The Routine’, and of how long it was going to be before I could go adventuring again. I was afraid of forgetting how beautiful the simplicity of life on trail is, of going back to work and being seduced by comfort and technology and the almighty dollar. I was afraid, and I still am.

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I am afraid every single day that I will give in to my fears. The way I see it, you can let fear limit you, or you can let it empower you. You can be defined by how you cowered from your fear, or how you conquered it.

That moment in life when you choose to do something that you’re afraid of is one of the most powerful things a human can experience because of how much we grow in that moment.

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In the grand scheme of things, it doesn’t matter if our effort results in success or failure. What matters is that you tried – and, I’ll bet that you didn’t get the stones to try this new thing by thinking about all the ways that it could go wrong.

Action cures fear.

So, what’s all this mean? All of this reflection and creative writing means nothing if we can’t apply it to everyday life. It means you can do whatever you want, you simply have to try. It means recognizing what you’re afraid of, and then kicking that fear right in the ass: having the presence of mind to identify your fears, and having the mental fortitude to tackle them. It means realizing that we’re all afraid, some of us have simply found a way to use this toxin as a fuel.

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“Fear keeps us focused on the past or worried about the future. If we can acknowledge our fear, we can realize that right now we are okay. Right now, today, we are still alive, and our bodies are working marvelously. Our eyes can still see the beautiful sky.” Thich Nhat Hanh

What Would You Do?

friends on beach at sunset

WHAT WOULD YOU DO?

October, 2016

We all know that Vulnerability creates human connection. To love another person, know yourself deeply, and in order to care for others, you have to be Vulnerable and give of yourself.

You set your own fears aside and say, “Here I am for you.” 

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I ask you this: “Could you be Vulnerable in order to make a difference and possibly save a life?” 

What Would You Do?

While eating dinner at a restaurant with friends in North Carolina last week, there was a young woman a few tables away having a seizure. The restaurant was in panic mode looking for a nurse or doctor.

I am Wilderness First Responder certified. According to protocol, we are not to assist patients unless we are IN the WILDERNESS. This was not the wilderness. I sat in my chair, deeply struggling with what to do. As I put my fork down, my heart had already left my body to go help this young woman. My left leg was begging me to leap out of my seat, while my right leg held me anchored to the table. I had never felt this way before, completely torn with RIGHT versus WRONG. Had I have gone to assist and someone found out, I could lose my certification. I need that certification to guide and hold retreats in the Grand Canyon. Had I not assisted, this young woman could potentially die. Not being able to just sit there, yet not knowing my intentions, I walked over to help the group of people now frantically hovered over this poor young woman. Thankfully, a nurses assistant appeared at the same time. She took over the patient while I took over the mom. The mom needed as much caring, love, and attention as her daughter. While I placed my hand on her back and talked her through what was occurring, I felt this tremendous amount of relief that I wasn’t forced to step in and save a life. I also felt a tremendous amount of guilt for not immediately assisting. What would I have done had the nurses assistant not been there? I honestly don’t know. I do know that I would have helped as best I could. There lies my struggle.

RIGHT versus WRONG

HELPING OTHERS versus BYSTANDER EFFECT and the consequences of standing up

I thought about this situation on the flight home. While running, writing, stand up paddling ~ I couldn’t get it out of my head. Then this happened.

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A local man drowned in the Pacific Ocean last week. He was drunk, he stripped down naked, and swam straight out into the open water to his death. He apparently committed suicide. There were families on the beach that night. Yet how could this have happened? I was not there; I am not at liberty to judge. Mental illness or not, a lot of steps go into play in a man’s life before he finally gets to the point of drunk, naked, and dead in the Pacific Ocean. What if that man were my son, my father, friend, or nephew? What if that were me? It saddens me to think that I wouldn’t have been helped. What saddens me more is wondering if that man had been asking, “Why didn’t anyone stop me? Where is the lifeguard?” Unfortunately, we will never know. What Would You Do?

We all are held responsible for our actions in life. That said, we all have a choice to stand up to adversity. Many people have judged my decision to stay friends with my ex-husband after years of betrayal. People have asked, “Why?” I have responded, “Why not? I cannot live a life of anger and regret. In the end, I am not here to judge his actions. I choose to find the very good side of the man I once loved. We are all held accountable in our own way. What I can do is hold myself accountable by coming out of this stronger than I went in.” By being vulnerable and standing up to adversity, I helped save myself and our family. Yet I ask  …  What Would You Do?

Have people become so immune to vulnerability that deep empathy and human connection are no longer being made? Are we so into our phones, technology, and the internet that we are losing respect for ourselves and each other? Do we just not care enough anymore?

Perhaps it was how I was raised, in a small Midwest village without a stoplight. For the most part, we all looked out for each other. When a tornado ripped through our town in the middle of the night, everyone crawled from their mangled homes to assist their neighbors. Nobody said, “The next guy will take care of you.”

sarp_quoteWe all have to believe that WE can each make a difference. Relying on the “next person” doesn’t always work. We are the “next person.”

One person. ONE PERSON can stop a crime, a death, suicide, and devastation.

YOU have the logic, courage, and voice within to help others.

I Promise That I Would Help You.

Would You Do The Same For Me?

FEAR, AND WHY I LOVE IT!

Sara Schulting Kranz at Grand Canyon

FEAR, AND WHY I LOVE IT!

October, 2016

As we age, some people get more bold with their voice and actions while others snuggle into safety and accept “what is”. 

At some point, many of us wake up and ask,

“What happened? Who am I and how did I get to this place?”

I hear it all of the time. There are many reasons this happens, and the one I see most?

FEAR. Fear freezes a person. It throws us back into a state of second guessing ourselves. People choose to not take action steps out of fear. What if something happens? What if I don’t make the right choice?

What ifwhat ifwhat if

I’ve had a lot of practice with fear throughout my life. Fear of rejection. Fear of failure. Fear of divorce. Fear of being alone. Fear of speaking out. Fear of writing… and here I am.

I am heading TODAY to spend a week in the Appalachian Mountains in North Carolina to write a book about my life journey. It’s been nearly three years since I first found out that my husband was struggling with addiction issues and is gay. After seventeen years of a pretty happy marriage and having three strong boys, I had no idea. I’m a smart, educated woman, yet I felt so lost and alone. I was afraid to speak out for fear of being ridiculed, judged, and perhaps isolated along the way. I began healing how I knew best: by hiking mountains and the Grand Canyon, running trails, and stand up paddling hundreds of miles on the Pacific Ocean.

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I found support, I embraced my fears, I healed, and I moved on. I learned what I am made of.

I wanted to share what I had been through, but I didn’t know how. My fear was saying, “What if people turn on you? What if they question your clarity? Do you REALLY want to put your kids through this?”

What ifwhat ifwhat if

And then I asked myself, “What are you doing to yourself and others by NOT sharing your story?” I’m not being my authentic self. I’m not Valuing my words, my experiences, and my voice. I’m not honoring the hard-ass work that I have put in for the last three years to create a friendship and “new family” with my ex-husband. I’m not showing the world that, “YES, YOU CAN FORGIVE AND MOVE ON!”

You can love the new you.

So, I chose to write the book, starting with a trauma that occurred at age seventeen. The book proposal is nearly complete, and off I go on a Southwest flight to write about my life journey.

So empowering. So enlightening. It’s about time.img_9242

People ask me all of the time,

How DO YOU get past fear?” 

Well,

“I freaking embrace the crap out of it.”

Fear can protect you from harm and give you an inclination that “something is not right.” And yet, if addressed correctly, it can teach you more about yourself than you would ever have imagined.

I want my kids to see that, when you embrace your fears and believe in yourself, ANYTHING is POSSIBLE! I want everyone that is suffering to feel empowered through these words to take one step forward.

A former client who I took on a Grand Canyon retreat sent me this quote last night (#timing!):

“Life Begins Outside of Your Comfort Zone”

He added, “Made me think of you. It’s your job to make people comfortable being uncomfortable, right?” Yes, it is my job. And it’s a pretty cool job to have.

HOW DID I GET TO THIS SPACE? Well… a few of my (not so secret) secrets:

1) SET GOALS: Start with writing down small goals. What is ONE THING that you can do now to move you forward? What can you do after that? And after that? Type them out, write them down. Place them where you can see them daily. Or better yet, make them your screensaver.

2) FIND VALUE IN WHAT YOU ARE DOING: If you find value in what you are doing, chances are (get this…) YOU WILL DO IT! When it has meaning, you will make it meaningful.

3) FIND YOUR INNER STRENGTH: We all have it! Think back to when you were a kid. Were you ever forced to stand up to someone? Did you ever have to make a choice to speak up because you knew it was the right thing to do? THAT, my friend, is your inner strength. Tap into it. Go there. USE IT!

4) LASTLY, GET OUTSIDE: Stretch your body, mind, spirit, and emotions. Find out how far that you really can allow yourself to go. Trust me, it’s further than you think. When you get to that “A-HA” moment of clarity, when you thought you were spent and realized that you can go further, you also realize that… life takes on new meaning in that space. I started guiding clients on Grand Canyon Hiking and Coaching Retreats because I experienced firsthand the life-altering shifts that occur in the Canyon. Life is a journey.

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My question, “What could happen if you DO try? If you are not happy in this space, what’s holding you back from taking the next step forward? What would you do if you knew that you could not fail?”

Embrace your Fears. Love Life. Live Boldly.

xo

Sara

(Or as my dad calls me, Honeybear… love you, Pops)

www.liveboldlycoaching.com

Loving Life & Living Boldly – “It’s how you handle the present moment that really can mold your future moments…”

Sara Schulting Kranz paddle boarding near a whale off the coast of Hermosa Beach

The following Excerpt was original published at Time of Your Life Now

I met Sara Schulting-Kranz in April while assisting at a course in Northern California. Her energy and enthusiasm were infectious but what really made me stop in my shoes and say ‘Whaaat!?!’ was a photo that a tourist on a whale watching boat took of her stand up paddle boarding (SUPing) with a whale. Sara recently went through a life-changing journey when her husband of 20 years dropped a bombshell on their family, resulting a transformational life and career change. Sara is now a life coach who combines her passion for adventure with helping others to be their best selves. Here is her story.

Sara Schulting Kranz on a ledge above a valley

Tell us about yourself and your lifestyle.

My name is Sara Schulting-Kranz and I reside in Hermosa Beach, California. Originally I am from a small farming town in the Midwest, Black Earth, Wisconsin – talk about polar opposites. My lifestyle consists of being a mom, best friend, adventurer, athlete, family secretary, volunteer, the list is endless. The aspect of my lifestyle I cherish the most is helping others by combining life coaching and adventure.  When you combine the two, powerful energies are created that empower people to go places they never thought possible. I would call my lifestyle ‘Loving Life & Living Boldly’!

I have hiked down into the Grand Canyon seven times.  I have hiked rim-to-rim in one day, twice. I have summited Mt. Whitney, climbed Half Dome, taken my kids on a 6-week road trip where we visited eleven National Parks, I ran a 50 mile ultra marathon three times, I scuba dive, and I have participated in the paddle-run-paddle two times. That is where you SUP (stand up paddle) 22 miles from the mainland to Catalina Island, run a marathon the next day, and then paddle home the third day.

I also love to camp under the stars, make fires, cook, drink wine with friends, play board games and cards, relax on a boat, be silly with my niece and nephews, watch my kids play sports, talk ‘life’ with our family, and I love love love the Holidays. I LOVE family traditions.

Sara Schulting Kranz at the Grand Canyon

Tell us about your past.

I have always been a person that loves adventure but even more so, loves life. I love trying new things, meeting new people, and helping others. I scuba dive, stand up paddle, run marathons/ultra-marathons, hike anywhere, love to road trip…pretty much, I will try it! Experiencing life by pushing myself to great lengths allows me to test myself and realize where I can really go with my mind, body and spirit. I came to a point where I loved having ME feel this awesomeness, but I really wanted others to feel it as well.  That’s the former teacher in me coming out: believing in everyone and wanting everyone to believe in themselves.

What prompted you to change your life?

My best friend/soon to be ex-husband (yup, I put those two phrases together) came to me recently, after nearly 20 years of marriage, and told me he was gay. That was a turning point in my life. How was I going to go on? What did my future look like? Is it possible in society to be best friends with your ex after so much pain, and what would people think? How do you raise three strong boys in this situation?  Then I realized something: you do exactly what you did when you took those last steps to climb Mt. Whitney, paddle 22 miles across the channel to Catalina Island, or run 50 miles in an ultra marathon.

You keep going. You keep putting one foot in front of the other. You don’t stop paddling, even when it hurts. To stop gets you nowhere. Instead, you believe in yourself.

You gain a new perspective when you are looking high from a mountain or paddling deep in the ocean with nothing but blue waters surrounding you. You realize that in the grand scheme of life, you are but a speck and shouldn’t care what others think or how they react. You are you. You make your own choices.  You learn from what is given to you and, in return, you can teach others.

So, I decided to forgive my best friend. We decided together to continue doing what we do best: be the best of friends, support each other’s dreams, live large, and teach our boys what it is to love yourself and others unconditionally.

Will everyone understand? No.

Do I care? Not really.

But if someone, anyone reads this and feels an ounce of ‘Wow, if she can do that, I can do this’, then THAT gives more credit to this journey, and makes it so worth sharing this story.

Sara Schulting Kranz white-water kayaking

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