13 years ago today, I started the adventure of a lifetime

Reflections

Apr 15

My PCT journey didn’t begin at the southern terminus in Campo. It began on a rock in Malta, looking out over the Mediterranean, desperate for change.

I had walked away from everything I knew. My partner, my career in events, and the apartment I was renting in London months before. I was unhappy with the direction my life had taken and knew I needed something major to turn things around.

What I learned living outdoors for six months changed the way I live today. When you can survive on everything you can carry in a backpack, you realise there isn’t much you really need in life, and that all those extra things create so much physical and mental clutter.

I became connected to the rhythms of nature, the cycles of the moon, the changing of the seasons, and felt as much a part of the wilderness as the creatures who roam it. The only time I ever felt fear was when I got close to civilisation, or when I saw somebody on the trail who didn’t look like a thru-hiker.

Yes, I may have been terrified when a cougar stalked me for 2.5 hours, but not in the same way I feel fear when I walk home from a bar in the middle of a city at night.

13 years on from the trail, I still yearn to be hiking those miles every day. Not for the walking, but for the feeling of purpose, discovery, community, and the healing power of nature.

You don’t need to spend six months in the wilderness to learn these things. Even one night under the stars can have a transformative effect.

I’m excited to be at a point in my life where I can share the lessons I learned with other women who feel stuck and are searching for change in their lives. It’s so easy to make excuses and put things off, but like my decision to hike the trail, I’m forever grateful I took that leap of faith.

If you’re interested in my Under the Stars retreats but feel unsure, please get in touch. While I’m in the early stages of setting up my business, I’m open to tailoring my offerings to suit individual needs and look forward to working with you.