I met Maggie for the first time as I was hiking in the Santa Monica Mountains on a small quest to hike the 67 mile Backbone Trail. At one point, I felt I was lost and this petite fit lady crossed my path. She set me straight on how to get back to the trail and I went on my way. Fortuitously, about 45 minutes later, I ran into her again and we started chatting along our route.
I discovered she was the Queen of these mountains and so we subsequently have hiked together every week or two thereafter. Such a chance encounter has enlightened my life. Maggie is gifted in so many areas and I don’t say that lightly. First, such a positivity surrounds her. She has taught me to not look backwards, and to essentially work with what I have in the present. Don’t get caught up in what might happen in the future. It will take care of itself. She has boundless energy and puts me to shame. I have learned to stay grounded with nature which then lets me manage my stress. She has shared her “diet” (not a diet but healthy eating habits) and which supplements she takes, and only because I asked. She is a great listener and has shared some of her life experiences with me. She remains humble throughout and I believe I have grown as a person from spending time with Maggie and always look forward to my next hike in the mountains.