This woman’s hiking post is extremely powerful (and incredibly important)

As parents, we try to instil body confidence in our children, especially when they are young – often forgetting that how we view our own bodies is the most important thing of all. 

However, social media makes its really hard, especially when you are bombarded with a certain body shape every single day, making you feel less than adequate.

Some of us can even be put off doing things like going hiking because we don't look like a typical hiker… you know that tall, skinny, glowing fitness blogger who has no issue walking 15 miles, and looks incredible doing it?!

 

A post shared by Unlikely Hikers (@unlikelyhikers) on Jul 15, 2017 at 11:24am PDT

No, reaching the summit of any mountain (well, we mean hill in our case) our face tends to be a beautiful shade of crimson while our hair is usually stuck to our sweaty forehead.

Of course we shouldn't care what we look like but, for some of us, that is definitely easier said than done.

And that is exactly why we love Jenny Bruso's the 'Unlikely Hiker' Instagram account – because it celebrates all kinds of women; big or small, the ability to enjoy life should not be based on size or ability. 

In a recent post, Jenny wrote how "when we base our worth as hikers on how many miles and feet of elevation we crush, or on our physical abilities, or inabilities, we miss out on the journey, healing and connection to all-that-is that can be found in nature." 

 

Who is a “real” hiker? . Whether you hike a mile or fifteen, or only a few times a year; if you use a mobility device on trails, or don't see anyone who looks like you; You Are A Hiker. When we base our worth as hikers on how many miles and feet of elevation we crush, or on our physical abilities, or inabilities, we miss out on the journey, healing and connection to all-that-is that can be found in nature. It’s not a race. You don’t get to stop and smell the wildflowers or dip your tired feet in a creek on a race. . I invite you to move your body in ways that feel good, for the joy of it. Be in your own journey, don’t compare it to someone else’s. It’s the doing it that matters. . It’s ok to challenge yourself. It’s ok to want to do more, harder, faster, longer, but it doesn’t make one a “real” hiker. That standard Instagram summit photo at golden hour is beautiful, but it doesn’t tell the story of a “real” hiker. . The outdoors is for everyone. If you need an invitation, this is it. If you need an invitation to quit these thought patterns, this is it. . If you hike, you are a hiker. Welcome  . #sponsored #REI #ForceOfNature #optoutside . Location: Ozette Triangle aka Cape Alava Loop, Olympic National Park, Washington #olympicnationalpark

A post shared by Unlikely Hikers (@unlikelyhikers) on Jul 13, 2017 at 4:05pm PDT

And she's right. Hiking is a way to connect with nature, spend time together as a family and enjoy life as a woman. 

"I invite you to move your body in ways that feel good, for the joy of it," she wrote. 

"Be in your own journey, don’t compare it to someone else’s.

"It’s the doing it that matters.

"It’s OK to challenge yourself.

"It’s OK to want to do more, harder, faster, longer, but it doesn’t make one a “real” hiker.

"That standard Instagram summit photo at golden hour is beautiful, but it doesn’t tell the story of a 'real' hiker. The outdoors is for everyone."

 

A post shared by Unlikely Hikers (@unlikelyhikers) on May 9, 2017 at 3:55pm PDT

"If you need an invitation, this is it. If you need an invitation to quit these thought patterns, this is it. If you hike, you are a hiker."

This is such an important post, and we're so glad Jenny wrote it.  

Do you find yourself missing out on things you would love to do because you don't look a certain way?