A Welcome Rejection

Usually rejections are accompanied by regret or demorialization, but I can honestly say this rejection comes as a welcome relief.

I had applied for a Pacific Crest Trail sponsorship, and today I got this message:

Thanks for applying to our mYAMAdventure program.�� This is the part of the program that I hate: I��m afraid we’re not able to extend an invitation to you this year.�� We received over 100 applications, and narrowing them down to just five was a true challenge.�� It��s a shame we can��t work with all of you.

I wish you all the best in your pursuits on the PCT!�� If you haven��t already, check out the following resources for a start with your planning:

Yogi��s PCT Handbook: http://www.yogisbooks.com/pacific-crest-trail/pct-yogis-pacific-crest-trail-handbook

pct-l mailing list: http://mailman.backcountry.net/mailman/listinfo/pct-l

Postholer forums: http://postholer.com/

Yay! Making the starting date for the hike��would have put too much pressure in my already stressed-to-the-limit life.��And it��would��not��have brought me the simplicity I crave. As I have learned, thru-hiking the Pacific Crest Trail is an athletic event where participants challenge themselves to complete the hike within the allotted weather window, more��of an obstacle race than��the transcendental walk I had envisioned!

So, where does this leave me? When I figure that out, I’ll let you know.

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Pat Bertram is the author of the suspense novels Light Bringer, More Deaths Than One, A Spark of Heavenly Fire, and Daughter Am I. Bertram is also the author of Grief: The Great Yearning, ��an exquisite book, wrenching to read, and at the same time full of profound truths.�� Connect with Pat on Google+. Like Pat on Facebook.