Shortly after my divorce, I had trouble distinguishing between fear and trusting my instinct. I had lived in fear for so long, I couldn't tell the difference. I learned very quickly when I, alone and hiking the summit of Mount Madison in low clouds and fog, almost had my pants blown off my legs!

I am the author of "Live Free and Hike: Finding Grace on 48 Summits," a journey of healing and self-discovery atop New Hampshire's White Mountains. Newly liberated after ending my 25-year marriage to a controlling husband, I gradually gained my independence and rediscovered my love of hiking. I set a goal to climb all 48 of New Hampshire's 4,000-foot and higher peaks. But less than a year later, after shocking allegations and a surprise arrest of my ex-husband on charges of child molestation, I found myself in a downward spiral as I processed the guilt, shame, and sadness of being married to someone so infamous. By climbing each challenging summit, I found the internal strength needed to overcome the paralyzing uncertainty surrounding the worst period of my life. Neither age, lack of experience, nor unforeseen life events would stop me from attempting my goal.