Thread by @pptsapper

Realizing I haven't gotten out into the woods for a while, which is probably why I feel this pent-up stress. Life builds up and crashes on like a wave rolling up the beach. If you try to take it on, it will just knock you down. If you flow with it, it's easier. Nature is my flow

I've come to love hiking because it allows me to center on the minimums: food, water, footing. In a world where I'm constantly surrounded by people, to be responsible only for myself is a rare blessing.

Army command time and staff life are battles of give & take, protect & defend. They shouldn't be, but some leaders only know micromanaging. So, you fight for your people. But fighting saps the kindness. Makes you, well, an angry staff officer

The trail helps restore my kindness

Twice in the past year now, I've had to say "I can't do that. I'm burnt out." It's an incredibly hard thing to say, since we're all competitive af. How your boss reacts when you say that will tell you so much about them. And it will tell you a lot about yourself

If you're met with nonchalance & dismissiveness, oof. It's hard to find that trust in that person again. If you're met with understanding & basic human decency...those are the people you'll walk thru the fire for

Do not overlook kindness & understanding as a military leader

And take care of yourselves. Please.

Burnout is real and it's horrible.

Practice self care. Take time for yourself. Don't beat yourself up for taking time for yourself.

Go climb a mountain or walk by a river or pet a dog or let a cat sleep on your lap. Be kind to yourself.