Kelly Ashford’s story is one of resilience, survival and the indomitable human spirit. A 14th generation Colorado native, Ashford’s love for the outdoors runs deep. As an energy healer for the past 15 years, she understands the earth’s profound healing power and the importance of spiritual practices like meditation. However, her life took a dramatic turn when a simple excursion turned into a fight for survival in the unforgiving Rocky Mountain wilderness. Despite facing dehydration, starvation and the threat of frostbite, Ashford says her unwavering faith and determination kept her alive. Now, with her new book Endurance, the Western Colorado local shares her journey of survival, shedding light on the importance of preparedness and the splendor of the human spirit.
“After many years of convalescence and recovery from trauma, I was finally able to put my story into words and share my ordeal and the near-death experience that I had,” Ashford says, who self-published Endurance this year with the guidance of her editor, Dr. Judith Briles. “I found the writing process healing, bringing me a sense of closure. A saying I like is, ‘when life hands you lemons, throw a book at it.’”
Ashford’s ordeal began innocently enough, with plans for a few hours of meditation in Arapaho National Forest. Little did she know a series of unfortunate events would lead to her car careening into a ditch, leaving her stranded and ill-prepared for the challenges that lay ahead. With no means of communication and dressed in nothing more than a light jacket, shorts and flip-flop sandals, she found herself facing the harsh realities of nature.
“According to a Hikers University post, an average of 120 to 150 hikers die in the U.S. wilderness each year,” Ashford explains. “The chances of becoming lost are about one in 2 million, so hiking is relatively safe. But there are safeguards to take.” 
For 11 grueling days, Ashford battled the constant fear of losing her life to the elements. Stricken with Lupus and without her necessary medications, her situation grew increasingly dire with each passing hour. Yet, fueled by her energy healing practices and an unwavering will to see her family again, Ashford says she clung to life against all adversity.
Endurance serves as a beacon of hope for others facing their own trials and tribulations. Through her writing, Ashford shares not only the physical challenges she endured but also the profound spiritual awakening that emerged from her near-death experience.
“When I reflect on all that has happened, I am filled with gratitude for the search and rescue team that found me, and my family that didn’t give up searching for me,” she says. “I wanted to share my experience in the hope that it might help others avoid some of the cardinal mistakes that I made, even as an experienced hiker.”
As she continues her journey of healing, Ashford says she remains grateful for the second chance at life that her wilderness ordeal afforded her and hopes to inspire others to embrace each day with the same appreciation.