Carolyn: Yes, there are so many. As always, on our recent January hike, we had several first-timers. One woman in particular stands out to me, Joanne. She was completely overjoyed being in the woods, having fun, and enjoying the new friends she made. I could literally see her transformation before my very eyes! We have spoken several times since the hike and she continues to tell me about the new positive direction her life has taken as a result of the experience.

Another is about a woman who, unbeknownst to me, was going through a very bad divorce. She later told me how being out in the wilderness helped her write a book about overcoming personal challenges.  One of the guys, Robert, who joins us often, is on dialysis. He tells me how much he looks forward to the hikes and how they have strengthened him considerably and helps him lead a much healthier life.

Carolyn: I can truly say that I am having the best time of my life. The last time I went home to Detroit, my friends couldn't believe what I am doing ... this girly city girl had started Hartfield's Hikers and was leading hikes through the woods ... they just couldn't believe it. Everyone told me that whatever I am doing is definitely agreeing with me! I feel fantastic - better than I have ever felt in my entire life!

Carolyn: This is an endeavor I started almost three years ago. The hikes are led by me and Paulette Scott.  We are both certified through the Sierra Club, a grass roots international environmental organization.  We are also trained in wilderness first aid.  Every month we have both seasoned and first-timers, of all ages, join us. Sometimes the newbies initially express skepticism about going, but they want to try it because of the positive change they saw in the person who invited them. At the end of the hike at least 98% of them are hooked and come back again and again.

Carolyn:  Anyone interested can go to my website, www.hartfieldshikers.com for all the information, including a calendar of the upcoming hikes. They can also sign up for my online newsletter that has hiking tips, photos and videos from our previous activities.   

Carolyn Hartfield at Lookout Mountain

Carolyn:  My personal motto is 'laugh often. Love unconditionally. Learn something new everyday.  Live life to the fullest!!!' When you follow this mantra, it opens you to the possibilities to try new things and accept your challenges as adventures and learning experiences. No matter the circumstance, there is always something to learn with a positive outcome, if you are willing to look for it.

Donna: I am looking forward to you being my guest on the first Just Get Serious^® Tele-Chat of the year. It will be next Thursday, January 26^th at 8:00 p.m. What do you plan to talk about?

Carolyn: Primarily I will be answering questions and providing tips on how non-hikers can get started hiking and how those who want to get back onto the trails can. I will also share additional insights into the joy of hiking, and more success stories.

Carolyn: Donna, I look forward to having you on the trail with us real soon. Thanks for the opportunity to share my late discovered passion that is now in full bloom.  I'm proof that "It's never too late!"

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On Thursday, January 26^th (8:00 pm - 9:00 pm) I will be holding the first in a series of free Just Get Serious^®Tele-Chats. Carolyn Hartfield will be my guest and she will answer questions about getting started hiking. If you are interested in being on the TeleChat, please click the first box below and the phone number and details will be emailed to you. If you have questions you would like Carolyn to answer, please click on the second box and email them to us.