Walk, Connect, Reflect & Give Back: A Gratitude Walk on National Trails Day

🌿Lace up your walking shoes, invite a friend, and join the Gratitude Choice Project for a rejuvenating 5-mile Gratitude Walk on National Trails Day! 🌿
This Saturday, June 7, 2025, we'll gather at the beautiful Vernon Rails to Trails in Vernon, CT, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM to connect with nature, cultivate gratitude, give back to our community, and build meaningful connections.
Hosted by Dr. Nicola Chambers-Holder, founder of the Gratitude Choice Project, this walk offers a unique opportunity to experience the healing power of nature while engaging in practices that nourish your well-being. The Gratitude Choice Project is a vibrant wellness movement dedicated to enhancing well-being through communal gratitude, nature immersion, mindfulness, and community service – we believe in gratitude in action, connecting you to nature, community, and your inner self!
Why Walk with Us?
The Vernon Rails to Trails provides accessible pathways for everyone, offering invaluable mental, emotional, and physical health benefits – especially for those in underrepresented and underserved communities. The Gratitude Choice Project is committed to bridging gaps and creating inclusive spaces where individuals of all backgrounds can discover the restorative power of the outdoors and embrace positive, mindful practices.
💚 Experience the Transformative Power of Our Gratitude Walk:
• Gratitude Circle (9:00 AM Start): We'll begin by coming together in a circle to share what we're grateful for and set our intentions for our mindful journey ahead.
• Mindful Walk: As we stroll along the scenic trail, we'll practice mindfulness, deepening our connection with the natural world and each other, while reflecting on the beauty that surrounds us.
• Trail Cleanup (Give Back Together): As we walk, we'll also engage in environmental stewardship by tidying up the trail, leaving it better than we found it.
• Community Brunch (Connect & Share): After our walk, we'll enjoy a delicious community brunch, providing a relaxed space to share our reflections, forge new friendships, and connect over our shared appreciation for nature and gratitude.
Event Essentials:
• 📅 Date: Saturday, June 7, 2025
• ⏰ Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• 📍 Location: Vernon Rails to Trails, Vernon, CT
• Included: Snacks, refreshing beverages, and a truly enriching experience!
➡️ Who's Invited?
Everyone! Whether you're a seasoned hiker or new to outdoor activities, this walk is designed for all levels to slow down, connect, and contribute.
Important Note: The walk will be rescheduled in the event of rain. We will notify all registered participants of the new date.
🌟 Ready to Walk, Reflect, and Give Back? 🌟
RSVP today! Don't forget to invite your friends and family to this meaningful celebration of gratitude, mindfulness, and community service.
Stay Connected by using hashtags with your pictures and comments for this walk:
• #GratitudeChoice
• #NTD2025
• #GratitudeWalkVernon
• #ConnectingThroughNature
• #GCPEnvironmentalStewardship
• #NationalTrailsDay
• #RailsToTrailsCT
Learn More:
• Register here:
• Discover the Gratitude Choice Project: https://gratitudechoiceproject.org/
About the Gratitude Choice Project:
Founded by Dr. Nicola Chambers-Holder, an Industrial/Organizational Psychologist and passionate nature enthusiast, the Gratitude Choice Project is dedicated to fostering individual and community well-being through a holistic approach. We integrate communal gratitude practices, immersive nature experiences, mindfulness techniques, and meaningful community service. We firmly believe in the transformative power of nature, strong social connections, and shared gratitude as catalysts for healing and personal growth. By cultivating a supportive and kind environment, we create opportunities for individuals, particularly those from underserved communities, to experience the therapeutic benefits of nature, strengthen community bonds, and cultivate a mindset of appreciation. Through initiatives like this Gratitude Walk, we aim to provide accessible spaces where everyone can practice gratitude, develop mindfulness, and engage in community service while deepening their connection to the natural world and the wider community.
For safety and legal purposes, do not just show up. Please take the time to register and have your guest register for each event. Thank you.

**PLEASE CONSIDER MAKING A DONATION:
Our Meetup annual fee is now $349 plus taxes, which is $174 plus taxes payable every six months (in October and April). If you find value in our events and would like to help us keep them free and accessible, your donation would be greatly appreciated. Any amount you contribute will directly support our mission and ensure the continued success of our community. Thank you for your generosity and for being a vital part of our group!

*REQUIREMENTS FOR GRATITUDE WALKS/HIKES:
No one wants to find themselves in a situation where they are lost or hurt in the ‘middle of nowhere by themselves – everyone must follow the guidelines to prevent such a scenario, no matter the likelihood of it happening.

• Please DO NOT sign up for a hike if you are not planning to finish it (For safety concerns, we start together and end together. Unless it is an emergency, you will be removed from the group if you show up for the gratitude circle and then leave after or leave halfway into the hike).
• Keep an ID with your emergency contact/s information with you at all times, just in case of an emergency.
• Bring water to stay hydrated, snacks for energy, bug/tick repellant, wear comfortable clothes (non-cotton if possible.. to keep dry), and wear trail sneakers or hiking shoes/boots for comfort.
• Be open, accepting, and respectful at all times. Also, you can social distance and wear masks if you feel more comfortable doing so.

KINDLY DON'T BE A NO-SHOW. Please be considerate and cancel your spot at least 24 hours in advance, especially on a hike with a waitlist. No-shows and last-minute cancellations will not be included in future events.

PARTICIPATION IS AT YOUR OWN RISK. Hike leaders are not responsible for your safety, you may sustain an injury while hiking.

COVID AGREEMENT: There is an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 in any public place where other people are present. COVID-19 is an extremely contagious disease that can lead to severe illness and death. Participating in an event hosted by Gratitude Choice Project, you voluntarily assume all risks related to exposure to COVID-19. If you test positive for COVID in the next 14 days, you agree to contact the hike leader, who will provide contact tracing information.

------------ What to bring: * Wear comfortable sneakers or hiking boots * * 2 bottles of cold water * Trail snacks for energy * Insect repellent

--- Legal Stuff --- By clicking on "Yes" for this event, you agree, warrant, and covenant as follows: In consideration for accepting this entry, I, the registrant, intending to be legally bound, hereby, for myself, my heirs, my executors, and administrators, do waive and release any rights for damages I may have against any parties or persons connected with the Gratitude Choice Project meetup group for and related to the above-listed event. I confirm that I am physically fit to participate in any portion of this above-listed event. I grant Gratitude Choice Project permission to use any photographs of this event for any purpose related to the gratitude walk. #transformation #businesscoaching #empowerment #wellness #mentalhealth #lifecoach #positivity #mindsetcoach #gratitude #lifelessons #inspiration #growth #grateful #mentalfitness #selfhelp #spirituality #instagood #drnicolachambersholder #gratitudechoiceproject #psychologist #naturelovers #gratitudewalk #outdooradventures #hiking #cthikes #walk #nature #peace #positivevibes