Inspiration doesn’t come to me of its own volition, I have to seek it out. And one of my favorite ways to do so—aside from walking a very long distance—is with my nose nestled between the pages of a book. I love a good story, especially those describing journeys of self-discovery. And I want to share with you some of my favorite books, books that continue to inspire me even as I read them for a second and third time. I owe to them not only my inspiration, but also my bravery and confidence in pursuing a life in the outdoors.

Thirst, 2,600 Miles to Home by Heather “Anish” Anderson

“I covered all five of the high-altitude passes in two days. For the first time since I’d left Campo I realized something more than the depth of my exhaustion. I realized the depth of my thankfulness, and of my joy” (Thirst, p.107)

Wild by Cheryl Strayed

“I went to the river and squatted down and splashed my face… Where was my mother? I wondered. I’d carried her so long, staggering beneath her weight. On the other side of the river, I let myself think. And something inside of me released” (Wild, p.306)

Women Who Run With the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estes

“This is my life, not a fairy tale, you dolts… I have to go to the woods, and I have to meet the wolf, or else my life will never begin” (WWRWW, p.499)

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

“…The fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself… No heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams, because every second of the search is a second’s encounter with God and with eternity” (The Alchemist, p. 130)

Called Again by Jennifer Pharr Davis

“I didn’t just draw encouragement from the wilderness; I took my strength from it. My most consistent motivation on the trail came from spotting wildlife, tracing my fingers lightly along the surface of boulders and trees, and drinking in views like they were electrolytes for my soul. My motivation to keep hiking was rooted in the magnificent details of the Appalachian Mountains, and the more of myself I poured out—the more energy I gave to the trail—the more it gave me in return” (Called Again, p. 148)

Inward by Young Pueblo

“True power is living the realization that you are your own healer, hero, and leader” (Inward, p.135)

Heather Anderson—“Anish” on the trail—and the author of Thirst, set the self-supported thru-record on the Pacific Crest Trail in 2013, and later, hiked all three of America’s long trails in one calendar year—that’s over 8,000 miles of walking across seriously rugged terrain. Cheryl Strayed, the author of Wild, also set out on the PCT, hoping to reclaim her life and find healing after the death of her mother and her unfulfilling dance with heroin. Both of these women undergo wildly unique and transformative experiences while on trail. Time and time again, people take to the mountains to find themselves, to discover meaning and purpose in their lives, and to uncover their full potential.

In Women Who Run with the Wolves, Clarissa Pinkola Estes explores the female psyche through the generational art of story telling, and all of her tales are rooted deeply in the natural world. She resurrects the Wild Woman and reminds the reader to listen to her intuition, inviting her on a journey through “the under ground forest” and past “the boundaries of rage and forgiveness” to unearth and reclaim her true self.

Jennifer Pharr Davis, in Called Again, references taking her strength from nature, as she thru-hikes the Appalachian Trail for a third time to set the supported record on its 2,200 mile length in 2011, with the help of her husband and many of her friends. Paulo Coelho, in The Alchemist, describes a shepherd boy as he embarks on a journey to follow his Personal Legend; the story is riddled with advice and motivation for those who long to pursue their dreams, but find themselves hesitant to take the leap of faith and head out into the unknown. Lastly, Yung Pueblo shares inspiration for those wishing to know and love themselves more deeply, for those who want to achieve self-acceptance and learn to let go, through his poetry and prose in Inward.

Upon my return from Patagonia, I struggled mentally. I couldn’t sleep for weeks, my emotions were all over the place, I felt insane and mad and rebellious, alternately. I continue to feel confused and anxious regarding the lockdown, nervous about what the future holds for me as an individual, us as a country, and the world as a whole—I am living between pages, unsure of my next move. There is so much uncertainty.

I think the hardest part about staring into the unknown, is remaining present for every uncomfortable moment of it, and taking it one day at a time—or one minute at a time when the day feels too long. Even though I know I am right where I should be, I have to constantly remind myself to believe it, to be still—not to hold still, exactly, because that’s not living—but there is a balance to be struck between existing in the moment, allowing it to be enough, and still retaining a measure of hope for the future. I ask myself, how can I view this moment in order to appreciate it for what it is? What beauty and inspiration can I find in simply being?

I find that reading something inspirational, radically improves my mood and perspective on life. When I rise from my cozy reading spot, leaving my book dogeared and my coffee cup empty, I feel renewed and ready to take on the day, carrying with me whatever enthusiasm I gleaned from between the well-thumbed pages.

One day soon, I will be back in the mountains—weaving my way through lush forests, stepping across gushing streams, ducking beneath branches heavy with dew—in the mean time, I am keeping myself inspired, living today, dreaming about tomorrow.