My Therapist Told Me to Take a Hike | How I Started Hiking and Built a Whole New Life

A Therapist's Recommendation

• 💡 The speaker's hiking journey began in 2019, prompted by a therapist's suggestion during a period of significant life transition.
• 🧠 This followed leaving a 15-year career as an evangelical conservative pastor and faith, pursuing film school, and parenting special needs children adopted from foster care.
• 🎯 Feeling a need for "something bigger than myself" after losing his previous community and purpose, the therapist suggested trying a hike after he mentioned enjoying walks in Lithia Park.

From City Kid to Nature Lover

• 🏙️ Initially, the speaker identified as a "city kid" from Las Vegas and Los Angeles, proudly stating a dislike for the outdoors and sleeping on the ground.
• 🌲 Despite initial misery after moving to Southern Oregon in 2007-2008, he gradually fell in love with the region's abundant natural beauty, including Crater Lake and the Pacific Crest Trail.
• 🚀 His first hike, found via AllTrails on the Pacific Crest Trail, sparked an immediate obsession and passion for hiking.

Evolving as a Hiker

• 🛍️ Like many beginners, he initially overbought gear influenced by YouTube content focused on backpacking and thru-hiking, much of which he didn't immediately need.
• 🤝 He quickly connected with the Pacific Crest Trail community, engaging in "trail angel" work by assisting thru-hikers.
• 🧘 The 2020 pandemic further solidified hiking as a crucial grounding activity and a constant pursuit, even while in a "bigger body."

Building a Career and Community

• 🎙️ This passion led to starting a podcast and posting on Instagram, connecting with other plus-size hikers and discovering suitable clothing and gear.
• 📈 His advocacy for inclusive hiking gear led to opportunities, including modeling for brands like Columbia Sportswear, transforming his hobby into a career.
• 💖 Hiking provided profound mental health benefits, offering a sense of purpose and community that he had lost during his earlier life changes.

Simple Steps to Start Hiking

• 🔑 The speaker's primary advice is "Don't overthink it, sunshine," encouraging people to start simply by walking in accessible outdoor spaces.
• ✅ He emphasizes that while "Ten Essentials" and best practices exist (to be covered in a future video), the most important step is to "go outside and start walking."
• 🌍 He advocates for safety, responsibility, and Leave No Trace principles, stressing that outdoor spaces are "for everybody" and can offer healing.