It’s okay to walk away. That’s not what I’ve always understood, but I’m there now.
As much as I love Hazel and her adventures in the Wild Squatch Forest, Bigfoot lore stretches far beyond the tales I’ve spun since November 2024, and even before the “first” Bigfoot print, found in California, hit the news in the 1950s. It reaches back thousands of years, etched into cave walls, carved into ancient stones, and woven into the campfire stories of Indigenous people across the globe. My love for storytelling isn’t new, and neither is the timeless wisdom embedded in these ancient myths. The lessons they carried then still resonate now, echoing through generations with truths that refuse to be forgotten.
This post marks the beginning of an ongoing series, where I will share the wisdom I’ve gathered during several years of researching Bigfoot across the United States. I never equated “Bigfoot” with “wisdom” when this journey began, but I’ve since been proven wonderfully wrong. That very phenomenon—finding profound lessons hidden within the lore, the legends, and the reality —is part of what brought Wild Squatch Wellness to life.
The Wisdom of Bagwajanini
Once upon a time, when European fur trappers discovered the rich resources of the Great Lakes, Bagwajanini—the woodland wild man—noticed how curious his little brothers were about these newcomers. Being older and wiser, he cautioned the eldest among them:
“These newcomers will bring only ruin. They will rob you of your homes and food and leave you naked and cold. Do not engage with them.”
But the eldest replied, “They have beads and blankets, coffee and tobacco. We want to trade with them.”
Bagwajanini knew his little brothers lacked the foresight to see beyond the glittering allure of trade. With a heavy heart, he offered one final warning:
“You may do as you will. But know this: if you choose to trade with them, I and mine will disappear into the mountains. You will never see us again.”
And from that day to this, Bagwajanini and his people have remained hidden.
This is my favorite Bigfoot myth. It struck a chord in me the first time I heard it, and its resonance has never faded. It speaks to a deep, wild truth about knowing when to walk away.
The Courage to Change
I’ve been reflecting on this story within the context of my own life. I’ve never been one to stick with things for long—careers, social circles, hobbies. Some call it inconsistency; others say I burn out quickly. My favorite description? A rebellious backslider. But here’s the thing: whenever I’ve walked away, it’s been because something no longer served me.
Like Bagwajanini, I’ve learned to recognize when it’s time to disappear into the metaphorical mountains. No hesitation. No guilt.
If I am willing to walk away from what doesn’t serve me, that must mean I am worthy of being served.
That thought rocked me. Growing up, I was taught that my purpose was to serve others, not myself. Seeking my own well-being felt selfish, even idolatrous. But if you look at nature, everything serves itself. Survival and growth require eliminating what no longer aligns with that purpose.
Read more about how I walked away in From Stressed to Squatched!
Embracing Sovereignty
It’s hard to walk away from deeply embedded structures and identities. Doing so forces us to learn new ways of living, to find value on our own terms. Transitioning from being a servant to being sovereign is terrifying. There’s no safety net, and the only person responsible for your life is you.
But here’s the wild truth: It’s okay to walk away from what no longer serves you. In fact, it’s essential for growth. Holding on to what harms us stifles our evolution.
You are worthy of walking away.
You are worthy of creating a life that serves your highest good.
Say it out loud, let it echo in your mind and heart: I AM WORTHY.
LET IT GO
Let go of the ways you thought life would unfold:
the holding of plans or dreams or expectations – Let it all go.
Save your strength to swim with the tide.
The choice to fight what is here before you now will
only result in struggle, fear, and desperate attempts
to flee from the very energy you long for. Let go.
Let it all go and flow with the grace that washes
through your days whether you received it gently
or with all your quills raised to defend against invaders.
Take this on faith; the mind may never find the
explanations that it seeks, but you will move forward
nonetheless. Let go, and the wave’s crest will carry
you to unknown shores, beyond your wildest dreams
or destinations. Let it all go and find the place of
rest and peace, and certain transformation.— Danna Faulds
This poem speaks to the heart of it. Walking away isn’t about giving up, or giving in, or disappointing others—it’s about honoring the wisdom of the wild, the wisdom embedded deep within yourself, knowing when to release control, and trusting that the unknown holds something better than we can imagine. When we stop resisting and let go, we allow transformation to find us.
A Wild Truth to Reflect On: It’s Okay to Walk Away
Sometimes, the wisest choice is to walk away. Let me repeat: It’s okay to walk away. Like the legendary Bagwajanini, we don’t have to stay where we are not honored, heard, or aligned. Trust your instincts and take the path that leads to your wild truth.
What are you holding onto that no longer serves you? What would it feel like to let it go?
Embrace the wisdom of Bagwajanini. Let the past stay in the past, step into your wild truth, and trust in the journey ahead.
Discover Your Wild Truth
If this story resonates with you, and you’re curious about what kind of wild wisdom lives within you, take the Bigfoot Archetype Quiz! Discover which Bigfoot archetype mirrors your path—are you a Grounded Guardian, a Mindful Mystic, or perhaps a Reflective Wanderer? It’s a fun, insightful way to connect with your own wild truth.
How does that feel? Let me know. I’d love to hear your reflections.
Stay wild, stay free, and most importantly, stay Squatchy.
Bonus: Meet Hazel and the Wild Squatches
Since we’ve mentioned Hazel’s adventures, I’d love to share her story with you! Download “Where the Wild Squatches Are“—the first tale that brings Hazel’s journey to life in the Wild Squatch Forest. It’s a whimsical, heartfelt story about discovering new paths, embracing the unknown, and finding your wild truth. Click the picture to download the story today!
Leave a Reply