Trail blazer: Emily Ford

There is so much to say about Emily Ford and many profound nuggets in our conversation with her. One in particular that stood out was, “Don’t underestimate your impact.” This stuck with me for a variety of reasons. 

We live in Minnesota. It’s been a tough year for us not only because of COVID, but because we are a flashpoint in our nation’s history. We are the place where Derek Chauvin, a police officer, murdered George Floyd at 38th and Chicago in broad daylight. We are the place where rioting and looting and curfews and unrest changed our state forever. We are the place where some felt paralyzed and many felt compelled to action. Emily Ford, from this place, felt the urge to make a statement, but wasn’t sure how. She took it upon herself to take action, but in her own unique way. She found it inside herself. She decided to make a statement about equality during this powerful period of history and hike the 1200 mile Ice Age Trail in the dead of winter (listen to the podcast to hear the details of the trek, it’s insane!).

This statement she made? That inclusivity is Emily Ford’s right. That a black, LGBTQ+ woman belongs wherever the hell she chooses to be. One more thing. Only one other person has EVER done this thru-hike in the winter. For this contribution, she’s been embraced as an outdoor adventurer, athlete, ambassador and role model. She seized her moment as the country and very specifically, her state, reckoned with racism and made a black woman visible in the wilderness. One person. One hike. Huge impact. The world noticed.

Seems like many of us are pondering the meaning of life, the dysfunction of society and how we might make an impact. It’s cliche, but true. You can make a difference any day. Emily may not have made her statement had her family not shared their outdoor passions or her childhood best friend’s parents not taken her to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. You may inadvertently be a reason someone achieves great heights. Share your wisdom, your gifts, your passions- you might just spark something incredible in someone to help them find the “thing” that challenges notions, moves others to action or just helps with overall happiness and well-being.

At We Do This For Fun, we bring you fire starters like Emily Ford and itty bitty sparks like Lynn and I- we believe we all have the opportunity to blaze a trail. Go big or small, but do something, someone will notice. Follow @emilyontrail. Who knows what she’ll do next?