Blissful feels plenty of fear and anxiety before a thru-hike, but she manages her fears by asking, “If the worst happens, then what?”

The answers to those questions helps us think more rationally rather than being paralyzed by anxiety, and thus live a more zesty and adventurous life.

1. All of us feel fear at least some of the time that can hold us back from action.
2. The trick is not to tame fear but to hear it out and hen get on with things anyway.
3. We do this by asking far questions: "what if?" followed by "then what?"
4. It helps us be less emotional and more rational.

MUSIC: Introduccion y Allegro by Carlos Guastavino as played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano.

Support the Show.

Blissful is given the "all clear" by her surgeon and gets ready to step into the rest of her life.

1. Surgery for breast cancer has completely changed Blissful's body, but has given her a new power of bravery and knowing herself better.
2. One friend calls her a "sur-thriver" facing down the situation directly, and trying to do what St. Paul said, to "rejoice always and not worry about anything."
3. Time is running out but wouldn't it be cool to live fully, audaciously, without fear – and with joy – even in an uncertain world?
4. Next week, Blissful heads back to trail in Arizona to finish a portion she had to skip when walking two years ago.

MUSIC: Introduccion y Allegro by Carlos Guastavino as played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano.

Support the Show.

Blissful takes her first hike on a trail after surgery for breast cancer and decides she prefers to be described as a "thriver" – or even "aliver" – rather than survivor.

1. It's a hot, humid summer day at Lebanon Hills, a region carved by glaciers with kettles and eskers, plus the singing of numerous birds.
2. Blissful's surgeon tells her it's time to put on a backpack and get back on trail, even though she's isn't completely healed.
3. Illness humbles us and teaches us about our vulnerability and ultimate decline, and yet it opens us up to discover our superpowers, like moving forward to see what's next.
4. It's the price we pay for being alive, but it offers us a chance to appreciate what we have even more.

MUSIC: Poema del Pastor Coya by Angel Lasala as played by Alison Young, flute and Vicki Seldon, piano.

Support the Show.