On my third hike with my friend John, we had an incredible but taxing trek that involved six hours of stream crossings and mud puddles in 90-degree heat. We were a muddy, sweaty mess by the end, and we were EXHAUSTED and HUNGRY.

The most important lesson I learned this past year is that sometimes the wisdom I’m seeking is already within me.

In her holiday note, Elizabeth reflects on a transformative move to Montana, the grief and growth it brought, and the creative clarity born from adversity.