9 Comments
User's avatar
Rick Lewis's avatar

"And the only way to figure out who I really am, to see what’s under the polished exterior I present in the untested comfort of my day-to-day, is to see who I am when I’m worn thin." Right on the money Jack. It pertains to writing too I find. Often the truth comes forward more easily when we don't have the energy to keep up a pretense or kid ourselves about the truth.

Expand full comment
Jack Purdy's avatar

Loved this line too. I feel like the creature comforts of average Western living rob us of the ability to peer into the juicy stuff underneath that can only surface when we're pushed into deep discomfort

Expand full comment
Rick Lewis's avatar

well said Jack

Expand full comment
James Bailey's avatar

Jack, I’m with Rick and Charlie - the AC line made me laugh out loud and the wisdom on figuring out who we are will stick with me - I can’t unread that!

Great seeing you in the Substack inbox.

Expand full comment
Charlie Bleecker's avatar

Which one of you guys installed AC in my tent was so good. I could feel myself in one of those tents, crying laughing at that comment.

Expand full comment
Jeremy's avatar

Love this! Need to get out there with you guys sometime in this life :)

Agree these adventures are amazing fuel for growth. And just flat out fun and enlivening.

Expand full comment
Steven Foster's avatar

Always good to read a piece from you and even more wonderful to have it be such a delightful meditation on outdoor living.

Expand full comment
Bennett Jacobs's avatar

Totally agree. I try to take a backpacking trip every year to disconnect and recharge. Such a relatable essay. Got me looking forward to my trip next month!

Expand full comment
Brian Wiesner's avatar

Reading this got me excited for some trips I'm planning out in nature, thanks Jack.

Expand full comment