Hiking Through Chaos: How My 'Relaxing' Hobby Became a Hot Mess

Okay...I need help.

Seriously. How on earth have I managed to turn what is supposed to be the most zenny and peaceful pastime into a full-blown stress fest?

I think I've officially accepted my fate -forever destined to be "un-zen".

Yes, I could hike a gazillion trails, bask in jaw-dropping scenery, but my mind?

Oh no - It’s too busy cooking up fresh stress.

Years ago. I decided to try blogging because, well, it’s supposed to be relaxing, right?

What actually happened was I turned myself into a malfunctioning content machine, forcing out bi-weekly posts like some exhausted corporate intern running entirely on caffeine and resentment.

Naturally, the hobby that was supposed to reduce stress became another item on my stress inventory.

So I dramatically quit blogging, obviously - because if there’s one thing I excel at, it’s over correcting.

My Former Life as a Camera-Obsessed Maniac

Before blogging, I was a camera-wielding maniac.

That mom with a camera practically surgically attached to her face.

Graduation? Snap.

Turning 13? Click.

Matric Farewell? I’m already on it.

I documented absolutely everything like I was personally responsible for preserving human history.

Then one day reality slapped me across the face and said, “You know you’re supposed to actually experience life, right?”

Turns out if you spend the entire event chasing the perfect photo, you miss the actual event.

Revolutionary concept.

So naturally, I went from obsessive photographer to taking almost zero photos at all. Healthy balance? Never heard of her.

Hiking: My New Personality Trait

Then hiking entered the chat.

I hit the trails like it’s my new calling, except I’d already forgotten where I hiked last week. “Was that trail scenic or just full of regret?”

Who knows.

It’s a whirlwind romance with nature, I guess - you can already see where this is going, right?

So, like the highly stable person I am, I decided the solution was to start blogging again.

And taking photos again.

You know, for “memories.”

Totally normal - completely under control.

Social Media Is a Scam Invented by Teenagers

So yes, I’m back.

Here I am, sharing my newfound love for hiking, basking in nature, and trying to act like I’m not quietly losing my mind in the process.

At first, everything was magical for approximately six minutes

Then, like clockwork, the stress crept in.

First off, I tried being all trendy, asking my two Gen Z-ers, Salt and Pepper, for help.

You’d think they’d be social media ninjas, right? Wrong.

Apparently, I’m the proud parent of the only two humans born in this century who know literally nothing about social media.

But the second anyone hints they’re doing me a favour, I’m like, “Hold my coffee, I got this,” and off I go, all miffed and determined to DIY my way through the mess.

And, shocker, what did I end up with? A chaotic jumble of disconnected accounts that basically scream, "Here’s how NOT to do social media!"

Apparently I’m a “Content Creator” Now

Then came the fatal comment from Salt:

“Mom, you need to post systematically if you want to be a content creator.”

Systematically? I can barely make it through a hike without getting lost, and now you're -wait, hold up - "content creator? "

"Is that what you think I am?"

Awesome. I’m officially upgrading my title.

Salt explains that I should post, for instance, once a week. “But what if I hike twice this week and once next week?” I ask. And the genius replies, “Just queue them up.” Oh, NOW you’re a social media genius when it suits me least!

So now I’m stressed about having too many blogs in the queue.

What if the queue gets too long and my creative genius gets swallowed by the apocalypse of outdated posts and a post-apocalyptic glitch deletes them all?

How could the world survive such a tragic loss??

My Phone Is Hanging On by a Thread

And then there’s the photo situation…

My kids?

Totally over me.

My phone?

It’s practically wheezing at this point, throwing out “low storage” alerts like it's auditioning for a tech meltdown.

So before every hike, I panic-delete files to make room for photos and videos I’ll absolutely spend hours editing later.

Naturally, I always delete the one clip I actually needed.

Let’s not even talk about trying to match the sound and music to each video masterpiece. I could write a whole new blog series on that disaster alone.

Is this my full-time job?

Of course not.

Is my full-time job getting in the way?

Oh, absolutely.

It’s a glorious mess, really.

A mishmash of chaos that’s somehow still standing.

Honestly… I need a hike. STAT.