Why Thru-Hike? To Rediscover Self, Embrace Nature

I am thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail because:

• I want to take the path less traveled to redirect my outlook on our world today.
• I am in charge of my life, and adventure makes me happy.
• Being outside helps to wash away the stress from “real life” and I feel at peace.
• I’d like to disconnect from material things that clutter our minds and lives.
• If not this, then what? I don’t have a clear idea of what I want to do job-wise right now, but that’s OK. I’m not in any rush.
• I need to be challenged through something that I’m passionate about.
• I’m following my dream.
• Have you ever smelled the woods in the spring? Or anytime, really.
• I absolutely love wildlife, and what better opportunity to see them than this.
• I love this Earth, especially the mountains.
• Humans used to only travel by foot, and life is too easy now.
• As much as I love and appreciate my life now, a comfortable routine drives me crazy after a while. 
• I like exploring new places on my own (and with friends, too).
• I am physically and mentally capable of this.
• Completing is a huge accomplishment that I have the opportunity and urge to take on. It would be a shame if I didn’t.
• Bad days are inevitable anywhere, so why not have them where your heart is most content?
• Some of the worst moments end up being hilarious stories.
• This trail follows along one of the oldest mountain ranges in the world, and I want to travel it.
• I want to live simply where that lifestyle is accepted and encouraged.
• Everything that happens from this point on is because I made it happen, and that’s powerfully rewarding.
• I’d like to make my family and friends proud.
• I actually enjoy problem-solving and getting creative when in a pickle.
• Hiking and being along a trail gives me enough direction to feel safe, while still allowing me that freedom to make decisions for myself.
• I want to regain parts of myself that I feel like I’ve lost in the past.
• Some examples: I want to be more confident in myself, trust others more, and get more out of my comfort zone.
• Little things make me really happy, like the fact that some shelters have fireplaces really excites me. Or knowing that I’ll be hungry and active enough to enjoy a gallon of ice cream. Yeah, sign me up.
• I like following the cycle of the sun. Sleep when the sun sets, and wake when it rises. It’s so natural.
• I told a friend I wouldn’t go to Maine until I walked there.
• I know this would make the younger version of myself really proud.
• Ultimately, when I die, I want to be happy about what I did.