"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.
Love that connection, Rick—that’s such a great point about writing. Amazing how honesty shows up when the filters drop. The same goes for social interactions... when we stop trying to impress everyone around us, we drop the charade and begin to interact genuinely and without an agenda.
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
Exactly, Jack—that really resonates. It’s like the layers only peel back when we step outside all that comfort. Discomfort has a way of showing us what’s real.
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!
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!
Thanks, Bennett! That sounds like an awesome tradition—there’s nothing like a backpacking trip to reset. Hope your trip is everything you’re looking forward to!
"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.
Love that connection, Rick—that’s such a great point about writing. Amazing how honesty shows up when the filters drop. The same goes for social interactions... when we stop trying to impress everyone around us, we drop the charade and begin to interact genuinely and without an agenda.
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
Exactly, Jack—that really resonates. It’s like the layers only peel back when we step outside all that comfort. Discomfort has a way of showing us what’s real.
well said Jack
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.
Haha love that, James—glad the AC bit gave you a laugh! Feels good to be back writing, and even better to know that line’s going to stick with you.
Hope all is well and good with you, my friend.
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.
Haha, thanks Charlie! I’m glad it gave you a laugh—trust me, it felt just as ridiculous in the moment.
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.
Appreciate that, Jeremy! Would be awesome to get out there together one day—totally agree, nothing beats how fun and energizing those adventures are.
Always good to read a piece from you and even more wonderful to have it be such a delightful meditation on outdoor living.
Thanks so much, Steven. Always appreciate you reading along—glad this one struck a chord! I hope all is well with you and your family.
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!
Thanks, Bennett! That sounds like an awesome tradition—there’s nothing like a backpacking trip to reset. Hope your trip is everything you’re looking forward to!
Reading this got me excited for some trips I'm planning out in nature, thanks Jack.
Love to hear that, Brian! Wishing you some amazing adventures out there—nothing beats time in nature.