(blog)

There’s something magical about the silence of a forest before dawn. No traffic, no phones buzzing, no deadlines—just your breath, your heartbeat, and the rhythm of your boots hitting the trail. Last Saturday, I decided to do something I’ve been dreaming about for years: watch the sunrise from the top of Mount Lysaya in Kyiv’s Holosiivskyi National Park.

I woke up at 4:30 a.m., groggy but determined. I packed light: a bottle of water, a protein bar, a hoodie, and my trusty camera. By 5:15, I was already on the trailhead. The forest was dark and cool, with a faint mist curling between the trees. Every snap of a twig sounded louder than usual, but I wasn’t scared—I was alive.

The climb wasn’t too difficult, but doing it in near-darkness added a layer of adventure. I reached the viewpoint at 6:00 a.m., just in time. As I stood on a rock and looked east, the first rays of sunlight spilled over the horizon like golden lava. The sky turned from indigo to soft pink and then to brilliant orange. It was honestly breathtaking. I felt small, humbled, and deeply connected to the world around me.

But this wasn’t just about nature or photos. It was about showing up for myself. Too often I get caught in the routine: work, screens, stress. This hike reminded me that life can be simple and beautiful if you let it. My body felt strong. My mind, for the first time in weeks, was quiet.

Fitness doesn’t always mean gym memberships or marathons. Sometimes it means taking your soul for a walk. Hiking has become my favorite way to stay fit—not just physically, but mentally too. You sweat, you breathe, you think (or don’t), and you feel like part of something bigger.

So here’s my challenge to you: find your own sunrise moment. It could be a solo hike, a bike ride at dusk, or learning to paddleboard. Do something that wakes you up—not just from sleep, but from autopilot living.

Next week, I’m planning a full-day kayaking trip on the Dnipro. Stay tuned. And remember—adventure doesn’t have to be far from home. Sometimes, it’s just a trail away.