Meeting a Man on the Mountain

Late last night, I landed in British Columbia for a long-anticipated hiking trip. The air felt different the moment I stepped off the plane: crisp, pine-scented, carrying the promise of mountain trails and open skies. Early this morning, Joe and I laced up our boots and set out to explore the foothills of Kelowna. The trail wound through a patchwork of gold and green, with the first light of day brushing the hillsides in soft amber hues.

Halfway through the climb, we crossed paths with a man who paused just long enough to exchange a few words that lingered long after he continued on his way. He told us that each morning, without fail, he completes a 10-kilometre loop through these very hills. His voice carried the warmth of experience; the kind of calm that comes from knowing exactly what matters most.

The mountains, he explained, remind him of his home country, Zimbabwe. His daily ritual of hiking connects him not only to nature, but also to his faith, and to the priorities that give his life meaning. Now 63 and in semi-retirement, he’s come to understand that the best investment he can possibly make is in his own health.

That simple truth stayed with me. In a world that constantly demands our time and energy, it’s easy to forget that the most valuable return on investment comes not from wealth, possessions, or accolades, but from the strength and vitality that allow us to do the things we love.

There’s something profoundly grounding about meeting a person who has distilled life’s lessons into simple, intentional practice. His daily hike isn’t just exercise; it’s a form of gratitude, a moving meditation, a declaration of commitment to living fully.

As we continued our ascent, I thought about how easy it is to delay joy; to tell ourselves we’ll take better care of our bodies or make more time for what we love someday. But perhaps the lesson from the mountain is this: someday begins with the next step we take.

So, here’s my invitation to you: do more of what brings you life. Invest in your health not as an afterthought, but as a priority. Find your own mountain, whether it’s a hiking trail, a creative pursuit, or a quiet moment of stillness at the start of your day.

At Landing Strong, we’re getting ready to launch our upcoming Virtual Hiking Program, designed to help you take those first steps, literally and figuratively, toward investing in your wellbeing. Now is the perfect time to make sure you have comfortable walking shoes or boots, and to set the intention that your health matters. We’ll be circulating more information soon but remember: the biggest part of preparation lies in the decision that you are worth the effort.

Here’s to meeting your own mountain and discovering who you might become when you reach the summit.

Warmly,

Belinda Seagram, Ph.D., R. Psych.
Executive Director, Landing Strong