Do any of you ever get Travel Anxiety? For me, traveling use to make me very anxious. I didn’t like long plane rides. I needed to know exactly what we were doing on a trip. I needed to be in control. That’s why it took me so long to start traveling internationally (besides having the money to travel). Traveling requires some element of “Go-With-The-Flow,” and I had to learn that. This photo is from my second International trip to Mexico which was a spur of the moment trip with an old friend. We had no plans...hell not even a hotel booked, but the flights were cheap. And you know what, this turned out to be a great trip! Found a cute boutique hotel on HotelTonight and booked an all day excursion to the Yucatán Penisula where we visited Chichén Itiza and got to go swimming in a Cenoté in Tulum. We also got to “Drive the Boat” to a snorkeling meet up in a Coral Reef. Work on not letting fear or anxiety (fear of the future) prevent you from having great life experiences. I know it may be difficult, but sometimes life’s greatest rewards come with overcoming challenges and difficulties. #hikelife #traphike #destinationHL #occupyhike #naturedaddy #hikingwhileblack #hiker #bigmoves #hikinglife #hikingtrails #traildiversity #wegotoo #weworktotravel #wecoloroutside #idhikethatcrew #weoutchea #conqueringourfears #blackoutdoors #wehiketoheal #alltrails #whyIhike #takeupspace #colorfulandcarefree #wehere #blackhikers #youknowthevibes #allgasnobreaks #theyhateuscausetheyaintus #cancun #togetheroutside (at Cancún) https://www.instagram.com/p/CDecUdvpmcP/?igshid=1788l97b4qpa6

Not sure how I got so lucky to get to hang with this great kid. I was so excited to finally share Batman The Ride with her. #FamilyFun #GoodKid #ConqueringOurFears #BadAssBatmobile #NoLine #FrontRow #BatmanTheRide @sfgreat_america (at Six Flags Great America/Hurricane Harbor)

Stepping into a new week and month feeling powerful AF! - #hikelife #traphike #destinationHL #occupyhike #naturedaddy #hikingwhileblack #hiker #bigmoves #hikinglife #hikingtrails #traildiversity #wegotoo #weworktotravel #wecoloroutside #idhikethatcrew #weoutchea #conqueringourfears #blackoutdoors #wehiketoheal #alltrails #whyIhike #takeupspace #colorfulandcarefree #wehere #blackhikers #youknowthevibes #allgasnobreaks #theyhateuscausetheyaintus #haiti #togetheroutside (at Amiga Island) https://www.instagram.com/p/CDcURC2Jbde/?igshid=1q3817dsr9hyh

A gem that’s helped me evolve. I use to notice a lot of people pick up things (style, hobbies, jokes, slang, dialect, hiking, you name it) from me with out ever giving me credit and it use to piss me off to no end. - It wasn’t until I got over my own insecurities and realized that I was using recognition as a form of validation, that I was finally able to start feeling so pressed. Who cares if someone is copying you? That’s called influence, baby! - #hikelife #traphike #destinationHL #occupyhike #naturedaddy #hikingwhileblack #hiker #bigmoves #hikinglife #hikingtrails #traildiversity #wegotoo #weworktotravel #wecoloroutside #idhikethatcrew #weoutchea #conqueringourfears #blackoutdoors #wehiketoheal #alltrails #whyIhike #takeupspace #colorfulandcarefree #wehere #blackhikers #youknowthevibes #allgasnobreaks #theyhateuscausetheyaintus #stairwaytoheaven #togetheroutside (at Island of Oahu) https://www.instagram.com/p/CDO49YWpd9S/?igshid=1etoce06agfup

“Wish you were hear” . . . #hikelife #traphike #destinationHL #occupyhike #naturedaddy #hikingwhileblack #hiker #bigmoves #hikinglife #hikingtrails #traildiversity #wegotoo #weworktotravel #wecoloroutside #idhikethatcrew #weoutchea #conqueringourfears #blackoutdoors #wehiketoheal #alltrails #whyIhike #takeupspace #colorfulandcarefree #wehere #blackhikers #youknowthevibes #allgasnobreaks #theyhateuscausetheyaintus #stairwaytoheaven #togetheroutside (at Stairway To Heaven) https://www.instagram.com/p/CFavvTBskqc/?igshid=pk86vv7oi21w

When you’ve finally mastered all of the elements, but still like to get a little wet (swipe for a surprise). - #hikelife #traphike #destinationHL #occupyhike #naturedaddy #hikingwhileblack #hiker #bigmoves #hikinglife #hikingtrails #traildiversity #wegotoo #weworktotravel #wecoloroutside #idhikethatcrew #weoutchea #conqueringourfears #blackoutdoors #wehiketoheal #alltrails #whyIhike #takeupspace #colorfulandcarefree #wehere #blackhikers #youknowthevibes #allgasnobreaks #theyhateuscausetheyaintus #sexualassault #togetheroutside (at Manhattan Beach, California) https://www.instagram.com/p/CDwPioYJH6K/?igshid=tor5sy6gz1y8

That time the Brits Invaded Hollywood! I met @emmabzowski and @jyotipg in a coffee shop in Amsterdam on New Year’s Eve 2016 (yes, one of those coffee shops). We had a great time celebrating the new year (swipe left). So when they made their way Los Angeles 2 years ago, I had to give them the Hollywood treatment that only Mountain Mic could. Took them on a tour of the Warner Bro’s backlot and hiked to the Hollywood Sign. Hope you enjoy this throwback! #hikelife #traphike #destinationHL #occupyhike #naturedaddy #hikingwhileblack #hiker #bigmoves #hikinglife #hikingtrails #traildiversity #wegotoo #weworktotravel #wecoloroutside #idhikethatcrew #weoutchea #conqueringourfears #blackoutdoors #wehiketoheal #alltrails #whyIhike #takeupspace #colorfulandcarefree #wehere #blackhikers #youknowthevibes #allgasnobreaks #theyhateuscausetheyaintus #hollywood #togetheroutside (at Hollywood Sign) https://www.instagram.com/p/CDjUgCYJ732/?igshid=e2zfanoqxdsm

“Seems like a lifetime, since I’ve been in my right mind.” - @brandy B7 is not only my new favorite Brandy album because of the musicality, but it’s the theme of mental health across the project. There are so many lyrics that directly apply to my journey and this project couldn’t have come at a better time. Also, make sure to check out my latest podcast interview with @OutdoorsyDiva. (Link in my bio) #hikelife #traphike #destinationHL #occupyhike #naturedaddy #hikingwhileblack #brandy #bigmoves #hikinglife #hikingtrails #traildiversity #wegotoo #weworktotravel #wecoloroutside #idhikethatcrew #weoutchea #conqueringourfears #blackoutdoors #wehiketoheal #b7 #whyIhike #takeupspace #colorfulandcarefree #wehere #blackhikers #youknowthevibes #allgasnobreaks #theyhateuscausetheyaintus #sexualassault #togetheroutside (at Page, Arizona) https://www.instagram.com/p/CDg67_Nphjn/?igshid=5gdf10n81cmj

Like a Prism, I’m using my light to create colors for the world. - #hikelife #traphike #destinationHL #occupyhike #naturedaddy #hikingwhileblack #hiker #bigmoves #hikinglife #hikingtrails #traildiversity #wegotoo #weworktotravel #wecoloroutside #idhikethatcrew #weoutchea #conqueringourfears #blackoutdoors #wehiketoheal #alltrails #whyIhike #takeupspace #colorfulandcarefree #wehere #blackhikers #youknowthevibes #allgasnobreaks #theyhateuscausetheyaintus #marblecanyon #togetheroutside (at Marble Canyon, Arizona) https://www.instagram.com/p/CDW9IBFpK56/?igshid=drru5ty527xi

Bye, Bye, Bipolar | Cause I Don’t Want Anymore Disorder (Transparent Post) - Most people don’t know that last year I had a mental and emotional breakdown after the end of my Civil lawsuit against the church where my abuse took place out of. - After battling Insomnia for over 8 weeks, I was encouraged by my therapist to check into an Intensive Outpatient (IOP) Mental Health Program to work on my past traumas. So for the months of May and June I checked into the Della Martin Center for Psychiatry in Pasadena, where I had a private counselor and participated in various forms of group therapy including cognitive behavioral and art therapy. - While in the program, my counselors and doctors believed that I may be suffering for Bipolar Disorder. I was frightened and apprehensive, because the thing I feared worse was happening - I was turning into my mother. I believe my mother suffers from Bipolar Disorder and is a Manic Depressant. - Because I was suffering from insomnia, my doctors and counselor wanted me to get my sleep schedule back together, I was prescribed a low dosage of the antidepressant Remeron. I feared Psych meds because I feared they would alter my personality and the things that made me me. - Reluctant, I started using the meds and it ultimately it worked (for a time). I’m now on a low dosage of the antipsychotic med called Seroquel and it’s been the game changer. I now get at least 7 hours of sleep and my mind has never been clearer. - I say all this to say, don’t be afraid to get the help you need especially if there’s a stigma attached to it. I’m no longer ashamed of my mental health or the meds I have to take to live my best life. - #hikelife #traphike #destinationHL #occupyhike #naturedaddy #hikingwhileblack #hiker #bigmoves #hikinglife #hikingtrails #traildiversity #wegotoo #weworktotravel #wecoloroutside #idhikethatcrew #weoutchea #conqueringourfears #blackoutdoors #wehiketoheal #alltrails #whyIhike #takeupspace #colorfulandcarefree #wehere #blackhikers #youknowthevibes #allgasnobreaks #theyhateuscausetheyaintus #haiti #togetheroutside (at Amiga Island) https://www.instagram.com/p/CDUEx8ZpyaB/?igshid=1hoxj8sxv96f2

You would’ve never known this picture was snapped while my legs were cramping up coming up Stairway to Heaven. I make it look easy, but my legs felt like jelly. - #hikelife #traphike #destinationHL #occupyhike #naturedaddy #hikingwhileblack #hiker #bigmoves #hikinglife #hikingtrails #traildiversity #wegotoo #weworktotravel #wecoloroutside #idhikethatcrew #weoutchea #conqueringourfears #blackoutdoors #wehiketoheal #alltrails #whyIhike #takeupspace #colorfulandcarefree #wehere #blackhikers #youknowthevibes #allgasnobreaks #theyhateuscausetheyaintus #stairwaytoheaven #togetheroutside (at Stairway to Heaven) https://www.instagram.com/p/CDRZjQbJG5y/?igshid=j6of77mjaqc2

I like everything big, even my waterfalls! - #hikelife #traphike #destinationHL #occupyhike #naturedaddy #hikingwhileblack #waterfallwednesday #bigmoves #hikinglife #hikingtrails #traildiversity #wegotoo #weworktotravel #wecoloroutside #idhikethatcrew #weoutchea #conqueringourfears #blackoutdoors #wehiketoheal #alltrails #whyIhike #takeupspace #colorfulandcarefree #wehere #blackhikers #youknowthevibes #allgasnobreaks #theyhateuscausetheyaintus #stairwaytoheaven #togetheroutside (at Alamere Falls) https://www.instagram.com/p/CDPrfrvprAZ/?igshid=1r7iszslvim2l

Stairway to Heaven (S2H) was a life-changing Hike for me. - While in the throws of my legal battles against my abuser and the church that protected him, I had a dream that after the legal stuff ended I went to Hawaii - so that’s what I did. - S2H challenged me in ways I had never experienced before. I had to overcome fatigue and exhaustion in order to reach the summit and I willed my way through it. I’m so glad I did, because once I reached the summit I felt this new energy take over my body and I think it’s the energy you all see from me today. Completing that hike gave me a level of confidence and self awareness I never had before. - I say all of this to say, listen to your dreams. Try to write them down immediately after, as dreams are the windows to our subconscious. You never know what you’ll be able to unlock if you pay attention. - #hikelife #traphike #destinationHL #occupyhike #naturedaddy #hikingwhileblack #hiker #bigmoves #hikinglife #hikingtrails #traildiversity #wegotoo #weworktotravel #wecoloroutside #idhikethatcrew #weoutchea #conqueringourfears #blackoutdoors #wehiketoheal #alltrails #whyIhike #takeupspace #colorfulandcarefree #wehere #blackhikers #youknowthevibes #allgasnobreaks #theyhateuscausetheyaintus #stairwaytoheaven #togetheroutside (at Stairway to Heaven) https://www.instagram.com/p/CDOvqfYJrMa/?igshid=w0obw4h8q5he

Stairway to Heaven (S2H) was a life-changing Hike for me. - While in the throws of my legal battles against my abuser and the church that protected him, I had a dream that after the legal stuff ended I went to Hawaii - so that’s what I did. - S2H challenged me in ways I had never experienced before. I had to overcome fatigue and exhaustion in order to reach the summit and I willed my way through it. I’m so glad I did, because once I reached the summit I felt this new energy take over my body and I think it’s the energy you all see from me today. Completing that hike gave me a level of confidence and self awareness I never had before. - I say all of this to say, listen to your dreams. Try to write them down immediately after, as dreams are the windows to our subconscious. You never know what you’ll be able to unlock if you pay attention. - #hikelife #traphike #destinationHL #occupyhike #naturedaddy #hikingwhileblack #hiker #bigmoves #hikinglife #hikingtrails #traildiversity #wegotoo #weworktotravel #wecoloroutside #idhikethatcrew #weoutchea #conqueringourfears #blackoutdoors #wehiketoheal #alltrails #whyIhike #takeupspace #colorfulandcarefree #wehere #blackhikers #youknowthevibes #allgasnobreaks #theyhateuscausetheyaintus #stairwaytoheaven #togetheroutside (at Stairway To Heaven) https://www.instagram.com/p/CDOvKuPpRi1/?igshid=q0ricykcsrme

I recently sat down for an interview for Jetlagged with @justinwalterstv to talk about my hiking experience with Stairway to Heaven! I forgot to mention that it was an illegal hike. Head over to @justinwalterstv to watch the rest of the episode. Please show the video some love and let us know what you think! - #hikelife #traphike #destinationHL #occupyhike #naturedaddy #hikingwhileblack #hiker #bigmoves #hikinglife #hikingtrails #traildiversity #wegotoo #weworktotravel #wecoloroutside #idhikethatcrew #weoutchea #conqueringourfears #blackoutdoors #wehiketoheal #alltrails #whyIhike #takeupspace #colorfulandcarefree #wehere #blackhikers #youknowthevibes #allgasnobreaks #theyhateuscausetheyaintus #stairwaytoheaven #togetheroutside (at Downtown Los Angeles) https://www.instagram.com/p/CDPvs3Ipc_a/?igshid=d60d08tnawo5