The Inspiration

The inspiration for Hills and Valleys came at an odd moment in my own growth journey. I like to travel out west in Utah and Arizona as the vast landscape provides great moments of self-reflection and self-actualization. On one trip, I was particularly resistant to some changes that needed to be made in my own life. I decided to take a solo 7-hour desert loop to 1) take gorgeous pictures and 2) find some clarity in direction for the future of my life. I was driving down a 4 mile stretch of straight desert valley road, with literally only one tree visible to the eye, when I noticed a stark change in the landscape in the distance. The road disappeared and a large set of snow-covered mountains took the horizon. I was noting the mountains and how vastly different to my current landscape of the valley. 

In my pondering, I was thinking about the challenges that arise for those in that valley—windstorms, drought, hot sun, wildfires, in contrast to those who live on those mountains—blizzards, bears, isolation, rugged terrain… Both landscapes have their share of “hardness.” However, I bet if you were to ask residents of those areas why they enjoy where they live answers may look like: sunrises, sunsets, peacefulness, moments of little joys, reasons and people to celebrate, breath, light, clarity, etc.

As I reflected, Hills and Valleys Family Coaching and Counseling landed on my heart almost tangibly. I experienced what those in that valley and on those mountains might have—I gained clarity and wisdom in what the future needed to hold for myself. I was excited and a tad nervous about the changes life was bringing, but isn’t that just like a hill/mountain or a valley—both can have moments of great excitement and great trepidation. Let’s navigate whatever landscape you or your family finds themselves in this moment and move together towards the hope and joy a new landscape can provide.

-Brandie