Seasons of Change

I love living in Utah. I love the gorgeous mountains. I love the change of the seasons. I love that there are four seasons that I get to enjoy. I like that flowers grow in the Spring. I love the unreal colors of the trees in the mountains in the Fall. I enjoy the snow falling on Christmas morning. The hot summers definitely feel like Summer--swimming in lakes and pools. 

But there is something difficult about seasons changing, for me, too. 

I tend to struggle emotionally with change of seasons. I know it sounds crazy but I truly believe that the tilt of the earth and the change of weather truly affects people. I saw it with my students when I was teaching. When there was any change of weather, a Full Moon, or a season change, they acted a different way--they were more lethargic, or, perhaps, more energetic, depending on those factors. 

I find my body doing the same thing.

I find that the hardest change is towards the end of October, when it is changing from Fall to winter. I think that my seasonal affective disorder is very triggered and those few weeks are the hardest. The cold days and the dark nights are just the worst. Ha! 

My life is in constant change. Having babies and kids means your life is in a everchanging--hourly, daily, weekly, monthly and yearly. My life is constantly in a state of "figuring things out" and then it changes again. I just feel like I have the baby thing down and now Georgia is becoming a toddler. Then, in the next couple years, I'll have another baby again. And the cycle continues. It's part of life and it's amazing and difficult and worth it. It's true what they say that the only constant is change. 

I am grateful that I have coping skills for when I feel like my Depression and/or Seasonal Affective Disorder kick in. I am grateful that I can see myself spiraling and just giving myself grace to slow down and be intuitive. I am grateful that I am able to see those things in myself so that I can still take care of myself so that I can be a good mother. 

And I am grateful that Halloween is over and we can enjoy the Holidays. ;) 

Flaming Gorge Camping Trip

photos via instagram 

Last weekend, we headed over to NorthEast Utah for a fun weekend getaway. I love camping with family because they definitely know what they are doing when it comes to outdoor gear and camping. We spent time rafting the Green River. It was beautiful! I am so happy that we had lots of strong men to help row us because I sure am not a pro at that stuff (and lets be honest, I'm just super weak). We headed over to Flaming Gorge Reservoir and paddle boarded, kayaked, and swam in the water. I deiced to swim across the way in the reservoir and it felt amazing. I LOVE the water and I am always reminded of that every time I swim. I ended swimming about half a mile and it was seriously so great. Why don't I do that more? 

Below is a short video and some photos of our fun weekend. 

There is nothing better than waking up after a great night's sleep in the wilderness, I tell you.

Flaming Gorge Camping Trip from Sierra Charlesworth on Vimeo.

Hiking Series // Payson Canyon (Grotto Falls & Mt. Nero Trail)

Hi. I've just been hiking over here this entire summer and enjoying some serious time outside. Except when it's 100 degrees...which it has been over the past week. That's been super fun. The other day I hopped in my car and had the serious urge to just drive, wander and get outside with Saylor. I found my way up in Nebo Canyon. I stopped at a few different spots along the way. 

My first stop was Grotto Falls. It is a short little hike that leads to a fun waterfall and little pool. 

My next stop was Payson Lakes. I stopped for a little bit and put my feet in the lake and enjoy it. 

My last stop was the Mt. Nebo trail. I didn't realize how hard this hike was going to be until I was already halfway through it. So, that was neat. 

Either way it was a very much needed time in the mountains. 

photos via instagram 

I want a horse, guys. 

All of the heart eyes. 

The view of Utah Lake from Nebo Canyon 

Other Utah Hikes: Dog Lake// Summit Trailhead AF Canyon Hike //  Bells Canyon // Horsetail Falls // Battle Creek Falls // Y Hike // Stewart Falls // Bryce Canyon // Lame Horse/Salamander Flats Trail // Silver Lake (AF Canyon)