Trail Building and Maintaining

Kick off the new year with a First Day Hike! The goal of a First Day Hike is to begin the new year with intention to get outside more! This is also the first hike of a step/progression series that builds up to the AMC 150 Relay segment scheduled for 3/29/26. That relay segment is 8.3 miles. This first hike is four miles in length (out and back). It’s a flat rail trail on a section of the WB&A Trail, so it is rated as easy. If you are recuperating from injury, got busy with work and family, or otherwise feel the need to get in hiking readiness for the year ahead, this hike is a great place to start. Feel free to join with no commitment to doing the relay segment or any other hike in this series. The WB&A Trail is a converted rail-trail, converted from an electric commuter railway that served Washington, DC, Baltimore, and Annapolis. The trail winds its way between Prince Georges County and Anne Arundel County, offering a mix of woods, water, and residential communities along the asphalt path. A bridge across the Patuxent River was completed in Spring 2025, now linking Prince George’s County and Anne Arundel County. (We will not see the bridge on this 4-mile hike.) The trail offers a peek behind the curtain of suburbia, with marshy wetlands, woods, bridges and tunnels, along with some trail sections that pass through residential neighborhoods and some road crossings. Participants should expect a mostly relaxed walk with little elevation. Note: As of December 2025, no bathroom facilities are available for the 4-mile hike, so careful with that coffee consumption in the morning! There are gas stations out on the main roads so on your way to the parking lot, stop in for a bio break. A bit about the AMC 150 Relay: it’s to celebrate AMC’s 150th Birthday! From March to October, volunteers from AMC are offering events galore—a succession of hikes and other outdoor activities from Virginia to Maine, to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the organization’s founding in 1876. Though historically rooted in New England, over time AMC has expanded and established regional chapters through the Mid-Atlantic, including today’s host, the Potomac Chapter. We will meet at the parking lot located at Electric Avenue, Glenn Dale, MD. No dogs. All participants must register individually for the hike at [https://activities.outdoors.org](https://activities.outdoors.org/) so that the waiver is signed and an emergency contact is provided.

You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, [https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf](https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf) and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with **"I Accept"** to be permitted on the hike. 10 mile out and back hike with about 800' elevation. Can easily see the Mushroom House and the Frank Lloyd Wright house. Rolling hills on mostly groomed trail. Parking GPS location: 38.97366132313788, -77.15095317208835 Porta Johns at parking lot. Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. [https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy](https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy)

Start the new year off right with a hike on the C&O Canal, Glover Archbold Trail, and Battery Kemble Trail. This hike will be a nice showcase of some of the impressive nature that's right in the middle of the city. We will meet at Fletcher's Cove (free parking; bathroom facilities may be closed) and walk east toward Georgetown, then circle back along Glover Archbold and Battery Kemble. There aren't good transit options to get to Fletcher's Cove -- please post a comment if you need a ride from a metro station. Given that it's New Years we will move at a relaxed pace, but it will be cold so we'll be mindful not to stop for too long. There's no significant elevation but you should have experience hiking for several hours. Please dress appropriately for the weather (hats, gloves, etc.). You can always shed layers if you get too warm, but you can’t don clothes you didn’t bring in the first place! Please also bring snacks and water. There are several road crossings on this hike. Please be mindful of cars and listen for directions from the hike leader to coordinate crossings. Route: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=7800728 Meeting point: https://www.nps.gov/choh/planyourvisit/fletchers-cove.htm We hope to see you on the trail! CARPOOLING: We encourage those with cars to carpool others to the trailhead - you're the ones who make LMH great! If you're a driver that is willing to drive, please post a comment on the event page with the following information: (1) Number of seats (2) Meeting location (3) Meeting time As a rider, please comment on the driver's post to take a seat or post in the comments that you need a ride so a driver can find you. Riders are encouraged to help their driver out with the cost of gas. BACKGROUND INFO ABOUT LMH: Please remember that this group is an informal group of friends and volunteers inititiating trips under the common adventurer model (https://www.ronwatters.com/CADefine.htm). We do expect our members to be familiar with the best practices of hiking. This is not a group for first time hikers and is NOT a group for those seeking hiking instruction. We are also not professionals, nor are we trained hike leaders, nor do we scout out hikes. We plan hikes for fun. You are responsible for your own welfare and safety at all LMH events. Be careful to choose hikes only within your own physical abilities and hiking knowledge; take maps, suitable clothing, provisions (at least two liters of water plus any food or medical supplies you might require) and equipment, and act responsibly and safely at all times. Act responsibly and safely: if you ever believe you may be lost, follow the advice of the US Forest Service ([https://www.fs.fed.us/visit/know-before-you-go/if-you-get-lost](https://www.fs.fed.us/visit/know-before-you-go/if-you-get-lost)) LMH organizers and members shall not be liable for any injuries, loss or damage to persons or property, direct or consequential, arising out of any aspect of LMH activities. By attending this event, you represent that you have read, understand, and agree to the contents of our waiver of liability in the following link ([https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pQ0dedcqlyjc_Aib3TEbTX4gQRQt4C7FeCmsAPyTxd4/edit?tab=t.0](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1pQ0dedcqlyjc_Aib3TEbTX4gQRQt4C7FeCmsAPyTxd4/edit?tab=t.0))

For the first half hour of class, beginners will learn 5 organ & spirit enlivening qigong exercises. After a brief meditative walk, beginners will learn the first of six section of Lao (old) Yang tai chi chuan as taught by Teacher Lu Hung Bin. Remember to wear comfortable loose-fitting clothing & flat comfortable shoes. For more information, call 301-466-5894 or email: info@dancinginsilence.com

First Day Hike in Rock Creek: 6 Mile Southern Loop Start 2026 on the right foot with a scenic and refreshing 6-mile loop hike through Rock Creek Park. This First Day Hike has to offer. We will start at the Rock Creek Park Nature Center, and travel south past Pierce Mill, ascend up to the Pierce-Klingle Mansion, cross Rock Creek, and hike up the Valley trail, visiting Pulpit Rock and Boulder Bridge before returning to the Nature Center. The hike is generally considered a moderate route. It takes an average of 3 hours hike to complete. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. Toilets will NOT be available at the Nature Center. however, the toilets at Pierce Mill will likely be open (about 2 miles into the hike). **Time to Meet**: Please meet at 9:45 for introductions and sign in. We will start hiking promptly at 10:00 **Directions to Trailhead**: The address is 5200 Glover Road, NW, at the Rock Creek Nature Center The GPS coordinates are 38.959953, -77.051673 **Contact Information**: Please use the comments feature for routine comments and questions. The hike Leader is Tim; 202-744-0289. Call or text as needed. **Details** Rating: Moderate Distance: 6 miles Elevation Gain: 740 feet Pace: 2.0 to 2.5 miles per hour **Facilities**: While the nature center will be closed, toilets likely be open about 2 miles into the hike at Pierce Mill. **Fees**: No entrance fees **Cancellation**: In the unlikely event that the hike needs to be cancelled, it may be cancelled up to the evening before the hike. Hikers will be notified through comments on this posting. **Weather**: The weather for this location can be found [here](https://weather.com/weather/today/l/7396101a49100eaa70080ede34244e1a9ae8e2a237da460c85e6472f1c8ed113). **Maximum number of hikers**: 15 **Notes**: -Please note, you must sign up at by 9:00 PM the day before the hike. -Please do not show up unregistered. -Please keep this a fragrance free event. -To find out more about PATC, [click here](https://www.patc.net/). Consider becoming a member of PATC. To join, [click here](https://www.patc.net/membership).

[https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45928389](https://ridewithgps.com/routes/45928389) 20.3 miles. Join us for a short and pleasant e-bike ride in and around the center of Washington, DC, on New Year's Day. Note the starting time is 12:30 PM. NOTE: New starting point is Haines Point as the roads are blocked off for a 5K race. The total tour distance is some 20 miles but you can cut it short if needed. 94% of the ride is on paved bike paths and flat terrain. At the halfway point, we will provide snacks, hot tea, and cider. You can even bring your own picnic. Various monuments can be seen during this route (the Capitol, the municipal Fish Market, the White House, the Lincoln Memorial, the Nationals ballpark stadium, the Titanic memorial, and the new Frederick Douglas bridge). DISCLAIMER LIMITATION OF LIABILITY: TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMISSIBLE PURSUANT TO APPLICABLE LAW, NEITHER GREGORY MAASSEN, TRIP COORDINATORS, THEIR AFFILIATES, FAMILY AND FORMER AND CURRENT EMPLOYERS NOR ANY OTHER PARTY INVOLVED IN CREATING, PRODUCING, OR DELIVERING E-BIKE LOVERS GUIDES, OUR MEETUP EVENTS, AND THE GPS E-TRAILS IS LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, INDIRECT, EXEMPLARY, OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF A USER’S ACCESS TO, OR USE OF THE E-BIKE LOVERS GUIDES, OUR MEETUP EVENTS, AND THE GPS E-TRAILS. See for the full disclaimer: https://ebikelovers.com/disclaimer

Hikers (and non) will continue a long tradition (since 1975) by gathering in Georgetown on January 1 to kick off a new year of hiking! Come join old and new friends in ushering in the New Year, while working off some of the holiday cheer that's starting to show. Leashed pets are also welcome. Photo albums of previous hikes: **[bit.ly/MWS-NYDH](https://bit.ly/MWS-NYDH)**. **THE HIKE:** We’ll walk 5.1 miles along the C&O Canal Towpath to the Little Falls Pump Station, and back. You can walk at your own pace and turn around sooner (or later) if you want to do less (or more) than 10.1 miles. A handout (to download or print) for the hike is posted [here](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TQq9zJqpQUVFCVq0pzi_HQQYvE5GCSuD/view?usp=drive_link) and as a photo below. **LEADERS:** Frank Wodarczyk, Paul Elliot, Gabriele Ludwig, & Mike Darzi. **WHAT TO BRING:** Bring snacks or a bag lunch, and water. Dress warmly in layers and wear rain/snow gear or bring an umbrella if there is a chance of precipitation. Feel free to bring leftover holidays treats to share. **WHEN & WHERE:** We’ll meet at 10 am on the west side of Wisconsin Avenue, NW, south of M Street. There is a small plaza in front of the [Pinstripes Bistro](https://www.google.com/maps/dir//38.904376,-77.062848/@38.904049,-77.0642193,17.78z?hl=en) (1064 Wisconsin Ave. NW, Washington, DC) that is next to and above the C&O Canal. If there is no crowd there, start one. Note that street parking is conveniently free on New Year’s Day. **LUNCH:** If you are so inclined, you may also join some of us for après-hike fare at [Pinstripes Bistro](https://pinstripes.com/georgetown/) (where we start and finish the hike) starting at 1:30-1:45 pm. **SIERRA CLUB** You may join the Sierra Club by clicking the "JOIN" button at the top of the Virginia Chapter’s [website](http://www.sierraclub.org/virginia). Membership is not required for participation.

Hi everyone! I thought we could kickstart the year by connecting over shared love of books while consuming some delicious food and drinks. It would be cool if you also brought a book you’re currently reading or want to read for us to talk about.

We meet on Sundays at 8 a.m. for training runs on some of DC's best trails, including Rock Creek Park and the surrounding area. We typically meet at either Peirce Mill in Rock Creek Park, or Roosevelt Island, depending on the route. Details of the weekly schedule can be found here: https://new.vhtrc.org/runs/sip We hope you can join us for a run! All paces and levels of trail experience are welcome for these runs, which range in distance from 6 to 9 miles.

New Year resolution to get outdoors and exercise? Now's your chance. Great Falls National Park in the close-in Virginia suburbs is an outdoor treasure in our own backyard. An ideal place to exercise! The hike will be a leisurely one, at an average pace of about 2 mph. Our route includes a couple of hills and rocks to flex those unused leg muscles; also water views and waterfalls to feast your eyes. We will warm up walking south from the Visitors Center on the wide, flat Old Carriage Road and the winding Swamp Trail. Then the adventures start on the Ridge and Difficult Run Trails, including a couple of steep hills and a detour to a waterfall. The return route is along the Ridge Trail and a moderately difficult section of the River Trail, which has a couple of short but steep hills; steps; mini-rock scrambles; and clifftop overlooks. We will move slowly on the River Trail and pause at several overlooks of the Potomac River flowing through Mather Gorge downstream from Great Falls. We will finish at the overlooks of Great Falls. Bring plenty of water, and snacks for a rest stop mid-way during the hike. (Note: the park's snack bar might be open; no cash accepted; it is located "under" the Visitor Center near the restrooms.) Start time: Meet at 10:45 and start walking at 11:00. If you can't make the hike, please cancel your RSVP by 6 pm the night before to allow others on the waiting list to join. There is NO cell service in the park, so hike leader will not get last-minute messages. Required: Hiking boots/shoes (no athletic shoes with smooth bottoms), water. Recommended: hiking poles, rain gear, snacks. Average pace: a leisurely 2.0 mph (faster on the early flat section, slower on the later rocky section) AllTrails: We will mostly follow the AllTrails "River, Ridge, CCT, and Swamp Trails" in reverse: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/great-falls-loop-river-ridge-cct-and-swamp-trails Meeting point: Meet at 10:45 am for sign-ins and introductions at Great Falls Park, Virginia. Meet at the bottom of the ramp to the front entrance of the Visitor Center (the doors facing the parking lot). Street address is 9200 Old Dominion Dr, McLean, VA 22102. Allow extra drive time for construction delays on Georgetown Pike and George Washington Parkway. Meeting place coordinates: https://maps.app.goo.gl/kAY7ou858TqCAJeK7?g_st=ipc Park entrance fee: NO CASH ACCEPTED. $20 per car or $35 annually. Free with a National Park pass. Carpools can be arranged by using the Meetup Comments section. (Hike leader can take 1-2 passengers from Eastern Market or Rosslyn metro station if willing to go early.) Facilities: Restrooms in the outside courtyard of the Visitor Center. Also porta-johns in the park. Hike details: Rating: Moderate; one moderately difficult section Distance: Approx. 4.6 miles Elevation Gain: Approx. 500 ft. Pace: Average about 2.0 miles per hour Conditions: Small but steep hills. Mini-rock scrambles. Can be muddy after rain. Maximum number of hikers: 10 Contact Information: Please use the Meetup Comments for routine comments and questions. Hike leader is Amber 703-231-5978. RSVP: Sign-up ends at 6:00 pm the night before the hike. Please do not show up unregistered. If possible, cancel by the same deadline. To find out more about PATC, see [https://www.patc.net](https://www.patc.net/ "https://www.patc.net/") Consider becoming a member of PATC. To join, see [https://www.patc.net/membership](https://www.patc.net/membership "https://www.patc.net/membership")

UPDATE: Now on Sunday due to schedule conflict! The forecast is a bit chilly this weekend, so let's keep this one relatively short and easy, then drive less than a minute to a variety of lunch options! We will meet at the picnic area of Cabin John Park. This IS NOT the side with the playground and the train you can ride. You want the parking lot alongside the road, a thousand feet further down Tuckerman. We will meet up in the picnic area promptly at 11:00, do quick introductions, then start a 3.5 mile clockwise loop. While the first half of the trail is mostly flat, there are three moderate hills on the second half, and we will unfortunately get some traffic noise from I-270. Afterwards, we can drive 30 seconds to Cabin John Village where there are a number of places to grab lunch, including Cava, Shake Shack, sushi, kabobs, and pizza. [Follow along on Alltrails here](https://www.alltrails.com/parks/us/maryland/cabin-john-regional-park?u=i&sh=5s9wgt)

Happy New Year, Adventurers! Continuing a tradition that started in 1991, Adventuring's first hike of the New Year will be at the Great Falls of the Potomac, arguably the most spectacular natural wonder in the National Capital Area. 2026 being an even year, we will focus on the Maryland side of Great Falls. We will gather at Great Falls Tavern and head upstream along the C&O Canal towpath, with the Canal on one side and the Potomac River on the other. After a couple of miles we will reach Swains Lock, a scenic and historic spot which should have enough picnic tables for our lunch. After lunch we'll retrace our steps back to the Tavern. Some of us may want to continue downstream a short ways past the Tavern to the trail leading to the Falls Overlook, while others may skip the Overlook and head out right away. Total length of this easy, level round-trip hike will be about 5 miles. If the weather cooperates, a stop at the beer garden at nearby Old Anglers Inn on MacArthur Boulevard may be in order. Warming up at the Irish Inn at Glen Echo may also be a tempting after-hike option. Those wishing to participate in our carpool either as drivers or passengers will gather by the Panera on Wisconsin Avenue by the Tenleytown Metro Station at 11 a.m. Passengers will give their drivers $5. Those wishing to drive directly to Great Falls should plan to be at the Tavern by 11:45 to rendezvous with the carpoolers. Everyone should expect to pay the $20/vehicle admission fee at the entrance to Great Falls unless you or someone else in your vehicle has a Park Pass. (Historically, most vehicles in our carpool have included someone with a Pass.) Bring beverages, lunch, mud-worthy hiking boots, and the $5 Adventuring trip fee, and dress in layers. Please [click here](https://adventuringlgbtq.com/Adventuring_Release_Form.pdf) to review our release form. When you RSVP to an event, you affirm that you have read and agree to the terms of the release. Everyone must RSVP on their own behalf.

Ashby Hollow via Appalachian Trail on AllTrails https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/ashby-hollow-via-appalachian-trail?sh=amrbvn&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality 5.7 miles, 1774 feet in elevation. it's an out and back, so we'll depend on the map or our bodies to tell us when to turn around. All trails says 3.5 hours, but I'm putting 4 in case we want to take a nice break. Bring food and other refreshments, layer your clothing, etc. Remember as always that you are hiking at your own risk, and please let me or someone else know if you're turning around early. 6. Release Summary: To the full extent permitted by applicable law, you agree not to hold us responsible for anything that happens related to transactions with third parties, member interactions, or in connection with a Meetup group or Meetup event. You also agree not to hold organizers responsible for their negligence in connection with their Content, a Meetup group, or Meetup event. To the full extent permitted by applicable law, you agree to release us and our officers, directors, shareholders, agents, employees, consultants, corporate parent, affiliates, subsidiaries, sponsors, and other third-party partners ( “Meetup Parties”) from claims, demands, and damages (direct and consequential) (“Claims”), arising out of or in any way connected with any transaction with a third party, your interactions with other members, or in connection with a Meetup group or a Meetup event. You also agree, to the full extent permitted by applicable law, to release organizers from Claims based on an organizer’s negligence arising out of or in any way connected with their Content, a Meetup group, or a Meetup event. The law in some countries and states do not allow the release, so these limits may not apply to you. You waive and relinquish all rights and benefits that you have or may have under Section 1542 of the California Civil Code or any similar provision of statutory or non-statutory law of any other jurisdiction to the fullest extent permitted by law. You acknowledge that some Meetup events carry inherent dangers, such as the risk of illness, bodily injury, disability, or death. By participating in these events, you understand and agree that you have freely chosen to assume these risks. 6. Release Summary: To the full extent permitted by applicable law, you agree not to hold us responsible for anything that happens related to transactions with third parties, member interactions, or in connection with a Meetup group or Meetup event. You also agree not to hold organizers responsible for their negligence in connection with their Content, a Meetup group, or Meetup event. To the full extent permitted by applicable law, you agree to release us and our officers, directors, shareholders, agents, employees, consultants, corporate parent, affiliates, subsidiaries, sponsors, and other third-party partners ( “Meetup Parties”) from claims, demands, and damages (direct and consequential) (“Claims”), arising out of or in any way connected with any transaction with a third party, your interactions with other members, or in connection with a Meetup group or a Meetup event. You also agree, to the full extent permitted by applicable law, to release organizers from Claims based on an organizer’s negligence arising out of or in any way connected with their Content, a Meetup group, or a Meetup event. The law in some countries and states do not allow the release, so these limits may not apply to you. You waive and relinquish all rights and benefits that you have or may have under Section 1542 of the California Civil Code or any similar provision of statutory or non-statutory law of any other jurisdiction to the fullest extent permitted by law. You acknowledge that some Meetup events carry inherent dangers, such as the risk of illness, bodily injury, disability, or death. By participating in these events, you understand and agree that you have freely chosen to assume these risks.

**History** [Blacklick Woods Metro Park](https://www.metroparks.net/parks-and-trails/blacklick-woods/), established in 1949, holds the distinction of being the first Columbus Metro Park. Its creation stemmed from a post-World War II push to preserve natural areas amid rapid suburban growth. The land, originally farmland and woodlots along Blacklick Creek, was acquired by the Columbus Metropolitan Park Board through donations and purchases. Early efforts focused on basic trail development and reforestation to combat erosion. The park's name derives from the creek, which early settlers called "Black Lick" due to its dark, mineral-rich waters. By the 1950s, it served as a model for the expanding Metro Parks system. In the 1960s, Blacklick Woods expanded significantly with additional land acquisitions, reaching over 600 acres. A golf course was added in 1964, one of the first public courses in the region, designed to generate revenue for park maintenance. Native American artifacts, including arrowheads from the Adena culture, were discovered during construction, highlighting the area's prehistoric use as hunting grounds. The park introduced interpretive programs to educate visitors on local ecology and history. Flood control measures along the creek became a priority after heavy rains caused damage. These developments solidified its role as a recreational hub. The 1970s and 1980s brought environmental awareness, leading to habitat restoration projects at Blacklick Woods. Invasive species were removed, and native wildflowers were planted in the meadows. A nature center opened in 1976, featuring exhibits on wetlands and forests. The park's slate-covered bridge, a remnant of 19th-century infrastructure, was preserved as a historic feature. Birdwatching gained popularity with the addition of observation decks. Community volunteers played a key role in trail maintenance and cleanups. During the 1990s, Blacklick Woods underwent major upgrades, including paved multi-use trails for biking and hiking. The Walter A. Tucker Nature Preserve, a 53-acre old-growth forest within the park, was dedicated in 1995 to protect rare beech-maple woodlands. Educational partnerships with local schools introduced field trips on topics like stream ecology. The golf course was renovated to improve playability while minimizing environmental impact. Annual events, such as the fall festival, drew thousands to celebrate the park's natural beauty. These enhancements balanced recreation with conservation. In the 21st century, Blacklick Woods has adapted to increasing visitation with sustainable practices. Solar panels were installed at facilities in the 2010s to reduce energy costs. The park now spans 643 acres, offering diverse habitats from wetlands to uplands. Recent initiatives include pollinator gardens and prescribed burns to maintain prairie areas. It remains a flagship for the Metro Parks, inspiring similar preservations system-wide. Ongoing archaeological surveys continue to uncover traces of early inhabitants. **Map of the Park** Here is a [map of Blacklick Woods](https://www.metroparks.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/BLK-map-May-2025-with-extended-greenway_1980px.jpg). **Summary** For this event, we will hike about 4.5 miles by doing a couple loops of the Buttonbush, Tucker, Maple Loop, and Beech trails. Blacklick Woods is a very nice park, but it is generally flat and not strenuous, so this will be one of the easier hikes that we do. **Where We'll Meet** Drive all the way to the back of the park to the parking lot that is nearest the Nature Center. There are restrooms here next to the Canopy Walk. We'll meet near these restrooms. Speaking of the [Canopy Walk](https://www.metroparks.net/blog/canopy-walk-is-your-gateway-to-the-sky/), it's not officially part of the event this time. However, if interested people want to freelance and check it out after the hike (before heading to the brewery), that's okay. **After the Hike** After we're done with the trails, we'll head to [Prost Beer & Wine Café](https://prostcafe.com/) for drinks and [food](https://prostcafe.com/reynoldsburg-prost-beer-and-wine-cafe-food-menu). The actual address of the brewery is [7354 E Main St, Reynoldsburg, OH 43068](https://www.google.com/maps/place/7354+E+Main+St,+Reynoldsburg,+OH+43068/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x8838648cfb8d2dbb:0x545274bab130e9bb?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111), and we should be there by 5:00 if you just want to do that and skip the hike.

Join us for this free, in person meeting on the subject of betrayals, losses and how to get over them so you can build lasting relationships. Do you want more motivation and confidence to build lasting relationships? Are you burdened by a stressful relationship? Unhealthy relationships can trigger feelings of anger, despair or self-doubt. They can create dwindling spirals of fights and seeking to make-up, or trying to “pin the blame” on someone or something. If you don’t find the RIGHT reasons, or select the correct sources of the problem, the problem can just get worse and worse. Whether in love or personal ties, with friends or at work, our life really IS affected by the quality of our relationships. Good ones can promote pleasure and survival, while less optimum ones can lead to annoyance, anger, self-doubt, stress, or even affect our health and ability to survive well. Whether you are suffering from a divorce, or a painful break-up, don’t know who to trust (or who to CHOOSE) as a partner, friend, boss or employee - the anxiety of relationship troubles can really make a mess of things. Maybe you’ve suffered a betrayal, or are dealing with hostility or criticalness or invalidation. Dwindling relationships can involve destructive behavior, where we hurt those we love, or start succumbing to self-destructive thoughts, attitudes or behaviors that spiral out of control and affect much more than our immediate relationship. Past losses in love or life can affect how we act or react to new people and situations and hold us back from even starting to create new, possibly great relationships! How can one get back onto a saner course of action? Come to our Meetup, where we can introduce you to some of the knowledge, tools and techniques of the breakthroughs in the field of the mind that we can apply to this ever important area of life: human relationships! Break free from self imposed limitations Here we will discuss: • How to “erase” the trauma of past hurts and betrayals so that one isn’t always repeating past mistakes. • Why and how do the negative emotions of others affect you? • Why is my partner withdrawing and what can I do about it? • Why do we sometimes feel compelled to hurt the ones we love? • Fights & arguments - what's really behind them? • What underlies “corrosive criticism” or the need to invalidate self or others? • How one can stably change one’s outlook on life so they can affect positive change? • Where do compulsive destructive behaviors come from and what can be done about them? • How to form closer bonds & keep growing the relationships with the people you care about? • How to enhance one’s own ability to survive and create positive healthy relationships whether in love, family & friendships or in work, business or one’s career? Relationships can be hard and life itself IS challenging. Why not arm yourself with the knowledge and breakthroughs that have been made about the mind, mental reactions & interpersonal relationships, so that one has better awareness and control over themselves and life in general. Learn where painful experiences are “stored” and how they can unknowingly affect us. You will also find out how one can “erase” those past painful experiences so that one is free to move forward without being tripped up by the past. Learn too, about what can lead some people to become “toxic” personalities and how to identify those traits in others so you won’t be tripped up trusting the wrong person. Our free Meet-ups occur in a safe environment where one can learn, without fear of judgment or criticism, and without the recommendation of harmful mental techniques or therapies, just how YOU can get yourself onto a happier & more successful path: in love & in life. We look forward to having you join us! This class is held at the Dianetics and Scientology Life Improvement Center of Central Ohio.