Essential Item: Glitter! – The Trek

There are often items that are not considered essential that make their way into hiker’s packs. Of course, the word “essential” is subjective as something essential in my pack may be wholly unnecessary to someone else. An example of this is my umbrella that I desperately need to survive the grueling New Mexico desert sun. My partner deems this a luxury item and decided to forgo this item to save weight (a decision I do not understand). Other examples include inflatable sleeping pads, e-readers, camp shoes, an extra pair of clean socks and even stoves (and the ability to cook food). And while we do not always agree with the gear choices of others, we all can probably agree that glitter is non-essential, unnecessary and maybe even a pointless luxury item. So why am I bringing it? 

First, some context is needed. This past winter season was my first time working as a ski instructor. On the first day, a seasoned instructor offered my training group some glitter for our cheeks and explained the popularity among instructors and other employees on the mountain. Eager to assimilate to the group, I jumped at the opportunity to make my cheeks shine in the winter sun. Of course, it was SO cute and so assuring to feel like I was already fitting in. As the season continued, so did the glitter. Whether I was instructing, free skiing or going out to dinner, the glitter remained on my cheeks. 

Beyond feeling really cute, the glitter gave me something else. When I wore the glitter, I felt powerful. I felt confident. I felt like I belonged. I felt like I could push the boundaries I drew for myself. The glitter made situations that felt daunting, light-hearted and feasible. Maybe it was a placebo and I had that confidence and determined attitude within me and the glitter was just a tool to excavate it deep from within. Maybe the little glitter container bottles up confidence and by putting it on my cheeks, I absorb that energy into my skin. Regardless, the glitter turned me into the person that I want to be.

I think the glitter might be the key to my success on the trail. It is a grounding tool, something in my pack to remind me that I am capable of doing difficult things. This is something that I have a track-record of forgetting. Jessie Diggins, a U.S. cross country skier wore glitter on her cheeks while competing this past season. She is the most accomplished US cross country skier EVER and she added to her accolades this year. So maybe there is something in the glitter. At most, if I wear the glitter, it will give me the powers to be as successful as Jessie Diggins. At least, it is a ritual that can help remind myself that I am capable and worthy to be out on trail. 

This is an item that gives me confidence in myself. It makes me feel cute and encourages me to shine (or sparkle)! I know, I know, it is all very corny, but I stand by it. This is not just a luxury item to me. The powers that it gives me deems it essential in my book. So, catch me with my glittered-covered cheeks out on trail. Because it is just as essential as my shoes and my umbrella. 

P.S. I am SO happy to share 🙂

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