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Share-My-Story Series: Melissa

Share-My-Story Series: Melissa

I am so grateful for each woman who shares her story with us. There is power in connection and vulnerability. Melissa is an amazing woman who I love being around. She radiates a love for life that is contagious. You can feel her strength and her resilience when you are around her. When you read her story you will see that life hasn’t turned out the way she planned but she has embraced it and made it wonderful. I just love her attitude and her strength! Thank you for sharing and being a wonderful example to all of us Melissa.

Melissa’s Story:

When I was a teenager I imagined a yellow brick road to eternal bliss upon which I would perfectly make everyone in my circles happy and proud of me.  I would have a joyful marriage with adventures my husband would plan for us, a handful of kids and I would be totally appreciated as a stay-at-home mom.  Today I am 46 years old with 5 awesome kids.  I’ve been divorced twice and have needed YEARS of therapy to recover from two deeply damaging marriages (and divorces) and very low self-esteem. At times I felt hopeless, weak and all I could do was cry and wish for someone to come save me.


I have had to redefine my hopes and dreams and take charge of them myself.  Amazing therapists and my own determination have guided me to develop the strength to trust myself, learn my own value, and feel empowered to create my own happiness. It has been so hard and has not come naturally to me!  I now work full time, run my own household, and recognize that I no longer need or want someone to save me.  I have learned how to save myself!


I didn’t use to practice the art of being kind to myself.  Did you know perfection is impossible? It has taken time to gently understand that I am just doing the best I can in each deficient moment and with each mistake.  Instead of criticizing myself, I have worked to view each fall as a teaching moment and learn from it.  I needed to accept my imperfections and love myself exactly as I am.  This has been crucial!  Without even realizing it, I’m also teaching my kids about self-care by showing them what that looks like when I handle my mistakes with grace and take time for myself to go on adventures for personal fulfillment.


How does a single mom express her adventurous side?  “Mom Fieldtrips” with my incredible kids started out small with local hikes.  All we needed were shoes on our feet and a map on my phone.  As I have become more courageous, our activities have progressed into weekends out of town camping, spelunking, and strapping on microspikes so we can hike to frozen waterfalls.  


Another step in my journey has been slowly testing my courage without my kids. Last fall for the first time I spent a few weekends canyoneering and I even rappelled down a 300 foot drop-off!   I am so proud of myself.  When I head into the mountains I feel the weight of life on my shoulders.  Once I hit the trail those worries disappear because of the beauty surrounding me.  I’m the girl who exclaims every 10 feet, “Oh! What a gorgeous view!  Look at the river!  Can you hear the birds?”  Being out in nature is therapy for my soul.  


One thing that has been missing for me in these adventures has been connecting with women who are looking for the same thing.  Last fall I found Get Out There Girl and a few other female-based hiking groups.  In January I was able to go up to Starr Valley, Wyoming on a dogsledding weekend with Brittany and 10 women I had never met before.  I was nervous!  Would they like me?  Would I feel comfortable?  Would I like them?  I was thrilled to discover that each of these women also came seeking connection.  We shared about our relationships and experiences in open ways that allowed us to get to know each other’s hearts and intentions.  Brittany taught a workshop on vulnerability that resonated with me.  You get what you put into something.  If you come into a situation willing to listen and share with open hearts, you’re going to be able to connect with people who are doing the same thing.  


Life is happier when I am kind to myself and I make myself a priority.  I can’t wait to meet more women who are doing the same and to see where my next adventures will take me!

Share-My-Story Series: Delee

Share-My-Story Series: Delee

I met Delee on the Zipline Retreat. It was her birthday and the retreat was her birthday present. Delee radiates confidence and happiness. I love the story that she shares about connecting who she is and what she is passionate about with a mission to make the world a better place. That is true alignment if you ask me.

Delee’s Story:

I grew up in the Northwest on a small farm with a lot of room to explore. I spent my time playing with my siblings in the woods, working the farm, and chasing my pony who liked to run away down the street. As I became a teenager my friends, job, and appearance became my top priorities. Shopping was my main hobby and I spent almost all my hard-earned income on clothing. My budget changed as I went to cosmetology school, got married, and had four children by the time I was 31. I found myself shopping for clothing regularly, finding deals and discounts, and constantly rotating my wardrobe thinking I was doing some good by donating my clothing to charitable organizations. Then I found Slow Fashion. I stumbled upon a YouTube influencer who challenged my shopping habits and opened my eyes to the global impact of the fast-fashion world. I was shocked! Did you know we own 60% more clothing than our parent’s generation and we keep them half as long? Did you know there is currently enough clothing on our planet to clothe the next 6 generations? Did you know the fashion industry is the most labor-intense industry on the earth, and that most garment workers don’t make a living wage? I started making small changes, then bigger changes and eventually decided to start a business to help other women do the same. I am a wardrobe stylist who encourages my clients to love what they have and shop sustainably. What an adventure it has been! I find myself reconnecting with my childhood self. I have spent more time outdoors, enjoying long walks and hikes. For my birthday I chose an outdoor adventure, instead of shopping. (A zip line retreat with Brittany!) I have made new friends, so many incredible women! I have found my passion: Connecting with women, healing our planet, and making the world a better place for labor workers around the world. 


 “What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.” – Jane Goodall
@thestylistnextdoor_ut Thestylistnextdoor.net

Richards Hollow: Hyrum, UT

Richards Hollow: Hyrum, UT

Get Out There Girl was created to offer women the opportunity to connect with one another through adventure and feel compassion for themselves as a result. Hiking has become a valuable tool in helping accomplish that goal. In June we hiked the Richards Hollow trail in Blacksmith Canyon above Logan, Utah. The trail follows the path of a creek and 1.5 miles in reaches a waterfall that cascades down a rocky cliff.

We began the hike near a campground, and though it was popular that day, it was serene nonetheless. The sound of the water trickling down the mountain, the wildflowers bending in the breeze, and the tall trees shading us was exactly what we needed to truly enjoy the outdoors. The trail is narrow in some places but often wide enough for two of us to walk together and enjoy the company of a new friend.

As we climbed the mountain towards the waterfall we crossed the creek multiple times and enjoyed the cool water on our feet. Walking on fallen tree trunks and hopping rocks brought a bit of childish excitement to the hike. When women let go of the worry of looking silly and enjoying the moment we can be who we really are. Those carefree moments are imperative in connecting with other women as this too allows them to do the same. 

Richard’s Hollow Hike is the perfect place to get out and enjoy nature. The trail is rigorous enough to give you the feeling of accomplishment but easy enough to make it enjoyable for hikers of all levels. Plus taking pictures in a tepee and eating lunch at the bottom of a waterfall is the perfect way to enjoy a hot summer day.

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/utah/herd-hollow-richards-hollow-loop-trail