Dangerfield State Park
Today, I didn’t want to wait around for someone to want to do life with me. I’m tired of doing that. I’m tired of waiting to live, of being so busy with the mundane, day-to-day activity, that I don’t do the things that feed my soul. I’m realizing that I’m enough - strong enough, capable enough, happy enough, in love with myself enough - to do the things I crave all by myself.
I grabbed some water bottles and snacks, and drove a little over an hour to Dangerfield State Park to do some hiking and get near some running water. I needed to be in nature. I needed to feel my heart beat hard and fast. I needed the bouncing thoughts to land somewhere and be still for a minute.
I chose the most challenging path they had and climbed straight up the steepest area of the 1.2 mile Mountain View trail. With only 62% lung function, I had to stop and rest several times. Although no one has ever complained about having to wait for me to catch my breath, I don’t like people having to wait for me. So it felt good to rest when I needed to without that pressure. When I got to the top, I sat, rested, breathed deep and said to myself, “Love, you did it…all by yourself.”
As I made my way back down, I took the time to dance with the butterflies and admire the freshly budding flora and fauna. I continued on the trail around the lake, chatting with other hikers when I our paths crossed. I veered off the path to find a little, bubbling creek where I took off my shoes and played in the water. Honestly, I felt like a kid again and my soul felt revived.
After 3.6 miles (what I know seems like very little to some, but was quite a bit for me), I felt tired but fulfilled. I rolled all the windows down in my car and turned the music up, and took a different route back home.
I would be lying if I said that I didn’t wish I was exploring with someone, but I have learned that no one will make me more of a priority than I make myself and no one will love me more than I love myself.
Dangerfield State Park is located at 455 Park Road 17, Daingerfield, TX, and the entrance fee was only $4. In addition to the hiking trails, the park has paddle boats, canoes and kayaks to rent, and nice camping facilities.
Written by Amanda Leigh Duncan; March 26, 2022. Read more of my work on Wood County Now and follow me on Facebook and Instagram.
