Gravel Therapy – Breaking Free from the Ordinary

The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance. — Alan Watts

The Path to Something Different

You’ve been told how life’s supposed to go, right? Go to school, get a job, buy the house, check the boxes, rinse and repeat. But what if that path isn’t the one for you? What if you’re tired of living by someone else’s script? The normal path didn’t work out for me, and I’m sure many of you can relate. I’ve been stuck, caught in the grind, but I’m learning something crucial. The only way out is to break free and take a new path. That path may not be the “safe” choice, but it is often the “growth” choice. And I don’t know about you, but I’m tired of playing it safe. I’m tired of letting fear or uncertainty hold me back.

So, I started taking trips. I pushed myself out of my comfort zone, into new areas, onto unfamiliar trails. For me, the journey began with those hikes. And as I’ve walked trails, I’ve noticed a shift happening inside of me. My fear is slowly fading away with each new step. Each new place I visit, every time I push myself into a new, unfamiliar challenge, I feel the old walls crumbling. Nature has this remarkable way of teaching us how to be more than just survivors of our past. It teaches us how to live.

 And with each step, I feel my confidence growing. I might still be on the struggle bus some days, but guess what? I’m the one driving it. There’s power in that. There’s power in the decision to get up, even when everything inside of you is telling you to stay down.

That’s what I want for you, too.

Exercise to Try: Fear Conquering

This exercise is simple, but it works. Write down one fear holding you back, and then ask yourself, “What’s the worst that could happen if I just went for it?” You’ll likely realize that the risk isn’t as big as you thought, and you’ll find the courage to take that first step.

The Power of Nature and the “I’ll Figure It Out” Mindset

The idea of “gravel therapy” has become a mantra of mine. It’s the act of walking, no trudging, down a gravel path, one step at a time, through uncertainty, and realizing that this journey is about so much more than just movement. It’s about shedding the weight of the past, letting go of the burdens that keep me stuck, and maintaining a mindset that says: “I don’t care what I’ve been through, I’ll just figure it out.” Gravel therapy isn’t about being quiet and still; it’s about standing up, moving forward, and finding strength in your own resilience, even when life feels like it’s pushing you back down. It’s a challenge to the world that tells us we need to follow a set path, wear certain labels, and live up to expectations that are often more about others than about us.

If you’re reading this and feeling lost, confused, or stuck, I get it. I’ve been there. We’ve all been there. But you do not have to stay there. Your identity doesn’t have to be tied to your job, your car, or the place you live. You are not defined by your mistakes or the things you’ve been through. You are so much more than that.

Let me ask you this: If you had to determine your legacy today, what would it say about you? What would it reflect about the life you’re choosing to live? Would it say you play it safe? That you follow the crowd? Or would it speak to the risk-taker, the adventurer, the person who chose to break free, even when it wasn’t easy?

It’s not about having everything figured out. It’s about taking those first steps. And if you’re struggling with your identity, feeling lost in the chaos of it all, trust me, you’re not alone. But the question remains, will you continue to fade away, or will you decide to stand and carve out your path?

Exercise to Try: Legacy Mapping

Grab a notebook and ask yourself, “If today were the day I left my mark, what would it say about me?”, “What’s the legacy I want?” Take some time and map it out. You may find that the life you’ve been living isn’t aligned with your true vision. And that’s okay. The point is to get clear about your direction so that you can start making intentional moves.

The Road Ahead Is Yours to Drive

The struggle is real. But guess what? You’re the one driving. There’s no superhero coming to save you, and that’s the most empowering part. We’re all on this journey, and it’s up to us to carve out our own path. The question is, “What kind of legacy are you going to leave?” Will you choose to fade away, or will you decide to stand up and create something real?

Exercise to Try: The “I’m In Control” Challenge

Now that you’ve started embracing the pause, it’s time to challenge yourself. Take a detour. Not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. When was the last time you chose the path that made you nervous? This week, take that route, whether it’s in nature or life. It’s the little decisions that shift your mindset and help you take control

Closing Thought:

The world tells us to play it safe, but the real adventure comes when you decide to break free. This is your story. How are you going to write it?

So, take the first step. Get outside. Find a trail, a path, or even just a few moments in the wild. Start embracing your aliveness, no matter how small that first step may feel. Let nature teach you that you are capable of far more than you think. You don’t need a map or even a complete plan. Just move. And while you do, ask yourself, “Where am I going and who do I want to be when I get there?”