As a jack of all trades, I feel relief when I decide to let go of a pursuit.

Once I decide I’m finished with something, I mentally put it into a “never again” category and move on.

I’m starting to see that this perspective doesn’t leave room for me to change my mind. I’ve written before about how I thought I was finished teaching yoga.

It turns out, I wasn’t.

Earlier this year, I started re-taking classes to apply to physical therapy school.

I thought that possibility was over.

The latest of my faulty predictions relates to backpacking.

In 2012, my husband and I took a backpacking class with the Colorado Mountain Club. Our class trip was cancelled due to the Waldo Canyon fire, so we went on our own near Westcliffe.

After that one grueling trip with a too-heavy pack at high elevation, plus bugs, I was done.

No more backpacking.

In the next few years, our son was born, and we became pretty proficient car campers.

A few summers ago, I even started camping on my own with my son, which felt like a big accomplishment at the time. Up until then, I relied on my husband’s camping knowledge and experience.

I thought we’d just continue as car campers at campsites and occasional dispersed camping.

But last summer, my husband re-took the CMC backpacking class and loved it. Good for him, I thought. I don’t want to backpack, but he can.

A few weeks ago, on a whim, I signed up for the CMC backpacking class myself. I figured it wouldn’t hurt me. Maybe I would like it too, but I was skeptical and also a bit worried I’d embarrass myself or find it too challenging.

The prep classes over Zoom were just the refresher I needed. And, luckily, my husband had recently purchased a new, lighter backpacking tent and pad. I already had a backpack, so I was set up.

For our class backpacking trip, we hiked about four miles on the Wigwam Trail in the Lost Creek Wilderness.

And, shocker of all shockers, I enjoyed it.

Despite my concerns, it wasn’t difficult. My trail running and strength training routines prepared me well.

Setting up my campsite, filtering water, and cooking was no big deal since I’m no longer a camping newbie.

Everyone on the trip was lovely and had varying backpacking experience. Our instructors shared tips throughout the trip, and looking at everyone’s gear and setups gave me lots of ideas.

The only thing that I didn’t prepare for was the mosquitoes. But that’s an easy fix. Next time, I will spray my clothes and my gear, not just my skin.

So, once again, I was wrong.

I hope I remember to leave the door open and to “never say never” because I just might be wrong … again.

Joanna Zaremba is a writer, yoga teacher, and movement and mindset coach. She helps her clients to trust themselves and their bodies. Joanna has lived in the Pikes Peak Region since 2011 and can be reached at joannazaremba@gmail.com.