Category: Nature & Wellness

Eco-conscious living, natural remedies, and skin/hair care.

SASQUATCH MEDICINE #1 – It’s Okay to Walk Away

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.
DISCOVER YOUR INNER SQUATCH!
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!

February 8, 2025
Steeping Stillness: Sipping Your Way into Healing and Balance

Somewhere between skipping over brooks with Sassy and trying to match Thorne’s long strides through the Wild Squatch Forest, Hazel felt it—the creeping weight of the world outside. Her thoughts raced to the notifications, to-do lists, and emails piling up, and a wave of exhaustion swept over her. Her stomach twisted, her heart pounded, and the anxious voice in her head screamed, “You’re wasting time! There’s so much to do!”

As if sensing her distress, Lady Bigfoot glided into the clearing, her presence as calming as the forest itself. She held out a hand. “Tea time, dear!” Her voice, rich and sweet as raw honey, carried a motherly warmth that Hazel instinctively leaned into. On the tree-stump-turned-table sat a steaming pot and two earthen mugs. Hazel sank onto the soft loam and watched as Lady Bigfoot poured the fragrant tea.
Tea Rituals: More than Medicine 🍵
Modern lifestyles leave most of us in a state of both physical and mental dis-ease. Our nervous and hormonal systems, constantly battered by stress and malnutrition, struggle to keep us balanced. This chronic disruption leads to fatigue, anxiety, and burnout.
But the path to healing isn’t just about what we consume—it’s also about how we consume it. This is where the ritual of tea shines. Science shows that intentional pauses during the day—let’s call them “micro-rests”—can lower cortisol levels, calm the nervous system, and even improve digestion. Pair this with medicinal herbs, and you create a double-layered approach to wellness.
Coffee vs. Tea: Both Beloved, But Different ☕🍵
Let’s be honest—many of us are deeply devoted to coffee (myself included). It’s energizing, delicious, and even boasts health benefits. But coffee often keeps us in “go mode”—fueling productivity rather than promoting mindfulness.
Tea, on the other hand, invites us to slow down. Its preparation asks for patience, and its warmth encourages a pause. While coffee revs us up, tea reminds us to rest. Both have their place, but if balance and restoration are what you seek, tea—paired with intentional rituals—creates the perfect micro-rest to reset your body and mind.
Reflection: Finding Balance in Stillness 🌿
Let’s go back to 2020, when the world seemed to come to a screeching halt. With calendars cleared and endless tasks paused, many of us were left wondering what to do with the sudden stillness. For some, it became a time to catch up on rest—rediscovering naps and slow mornings. For others, it revealed where life had grown unbalanced and demanded change.
That season was a turning point for Scot and me. With time to reflect, we prioritized our health, reshaped our routines, and reimagined what work-life balance could look like. Out of that pause came the foundation for Squatch America and the intentional, grounded life we lead today. Without that forced slowdown, we wouldn’t be here, living this dream—and we wouldn’t trade it for all the “tea in China.”

Making tea is a ritual that stops the world from falling in on you.’ —Jonathan Stroud
Slowing down isn’t just an indulgence; it’s a necessity. And while it’s safe to say that none of us want to repeat the events of 2020, simple rituals, like brewing and sipping tea, remind us to make space for that stillness every day.
Tea Rituals: Powerful Micro-Rests for Healing 🌲
In a world that often feels chaotic and demanding, tea rituals offer a rare opportunity to pause and restore. Think of them as invitations to breathe, to be present, and to listen to what your body truly needs.
Brewing tea is more than a task—it’s an act of care. As the water heats and the leaves steep, your mind slows down. With each sip, your breath deepens, your heart steadies, and your nervous system begins to unwind. And it’s in that quiet space, however brief, that healing begins.
So whether you’re steeping a calming blend to ease tension or sipping a balancing brew to find your center, let a simple tea ritual be your daily reminder that slowing down isn’t just an indulgence—it’s essential.
Meet the Wild Squatch Wellness Teas 🌿
Wild Squatch Wellness Teas—handcrafted herbal blends designed to calm nerves, balance hormones, and restore vitality

Sassy Squatch’s Sereni-Tea – Crafted to soothe frazzled nerves and quiet a racing mind. Ingredients like chamomile and blue butterfly pea work synergistically to reduce anxiety and promote restful sleep.

Lady Bigfoot’s Balancing Blend – Formulated to restore balance and vitality. Featuring lemon balm and holy basil, this blend supports hormonal health and resilience to stress.
Both teas encourage the act of slowing down and reconnecting, promoting not just physical nourishment but mental clarity and emotional balance.
An Invitation to Pause 🌎
Incorporating tea rituals into your day is more than just brewing a beverage—it’s creating a sanctuary in your schedule. Whether you’re steeping a calming blend to quiet your thoughts or sipping hormonal balance tea to restore vitality, let each cup remind you that healing begins with slowing down.
For five peaceful minutes, neither of them spoke. Hazel sipped, letting the warm elixir slide down her throat. Slowly, her stomach settled, her pulse slowed, and the noisy chatter in her mind faded into a whisper before disappearing altogether. Lady Bigfoot smiled. “You see?” she said. “Taking just this little bit of time—to brew, to pour, to sip, to savor—reminds us that this is all there is. And this,” she gestured to the moment, “is what matters most.”
Feeling frazzled? 🌲✨ Slow down and sip your way into calm with Bigfoot’s tea rituals. Discover how simple herbal blends and mindful moments can ease tension, restore balance, and bring clarity—one soothing cup at a time. 🍵🌿
Ready to Begin? Discover our blends and start your journey to nourishment today. Sign up for updates and early access to pre-orders.

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Tea is balm for the soul, don’t you agree?’ —P.L. Travers

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January 22, 2025
BUGS, BIGFOOT, AND THE BIRTH OF A DREAM

The woods can be a scary place.

They’re full of shadows and questions. Sometimes, you can’t see the path ahead—or even be sure one exists. But the woods are also alive with possibility, if you choose to follow the path that presents itself. My journey down that mysterious path started on June 12, 2020, standing in the crisp morning air of the Wilderness Edge campground in Millinocket, Maine.

A mysterious path into mist-shrouded woods….stay safe or follow that path? What would you do?
Out of the Woods—Or So I Thought
After months of being trapped behind a computer screen, staring at a Brady-Bunch grid of disinterested students, I had stepped into the sunlight—out of the woods, or so I thought. My skin drank in the Vitamin D like it had been paroled from a windowless cell, and every sip of coffee felt like a love letter to freedom. I smiled at my fellow work campers, a welcome change of scenery from pandemic-era teaching, and I knew that there was only goodness to come.
But as my husband Scot wiped yet another streak of blood off his arm, courtesy of the carnivorous black flies swarming us like a Biblical plague, I realized we weren’t out yet. We had entered a different kind of woods—the kind filled with buzzing tormentors and desperate experiments with insect repellent. The path forward wasn’t clear, and the stakes felt personal.
Black Flies and Bug Battles
I hadn’t noticed the flies so much; granted, I’d been sequestered in our camper our first 10 days there, finishing out my teaching contract. Then again, bugs had never really pestered me that much. Over the course of my life, I could count on two hands how many mosquito bites I’d had—it really had never been a problem.
Scot, on the other hand, served as a walking bug buffet—a tough break for someone who loved being outdoors. We tried everything: citronella candles, store-bought sprays, even patchouli oil mixed with hydrocortisone cream. The patchouli worked—until he sweated it off, which didn’t take long. Long sleeves and bug netting weren’t much help either, especially when he was trying to build sheds at the campground. It felt like a losing battle.
Scot battled the relentless bugs with grit, but seeing him covered in scabs and scars unsettled me. On the worst days, he stayed inside to let wounds heal before braving another round of attacks. Hope? We’d let it slip through our fingers like mosquito repellent in a rainstorm—desperate, frustrated, and out of ideas.
If only I’d known then what I know now! Fortunately I learned and those lessons became The Wild Squatches’ Natural Defense Guide.

This free guide shares 5 herbal remedies to keep bugs at bay—naturally. If you’ve ever faced your own losing battle against the bite, I hope these recipes help you find relief.

Click HERE to download your free copy!
Then came the guide—our light through the trees. She wasn’t just an intuitive herbalist; she was someone who had walked this path before. One day, as we were chatting about natural healing, I popped off, “You wouldn’t happen to have a concoction to keep the bugs away, would you?”
Testing the Formula—A Breakthrough Moment
Essential oils and herbs—nature’s powerful allies for healing and protection.

Next thing I knew, there were four testers in the mail, and the experimentation began. Within a few weeks, we’d found the magic combination that not only kept the biting beasts away but stayed on even when Scot’s sweat glands were working overtime. We held our breath as Scot stepped outside, armed with the latest formula—our best shot at freedom from the flying piranhas.
I watched in awe as the mouthy Texas mosquitos stayed at least a yard away. It was like witnessing a miracle—or at least the end of a horror movie where the hero finally gets a break. Minutes dragged by, and I half-expected him to come sprinting back, swatting at imaginary enemies. But he didn’t. Instead, he strolled back, skin intact, grinning like he’d just conquered Everest.
SUCCESS! Squatch-Off was born—and if I’m being honest, I almost cried. After years of battling bugs, chasing dead-end solutions, and wasting money on insect repellent that never worked, this moment felt like striking gold in the wilderness. Relief, pride, and disbelief collided as I realized we had finally won. And we had won not once, but twice; because surprise! Born alongside this bouncing baby bug spray was a bouncing baby business: Wild Squatch Wellness. We’d had TWINS!
But there was more to come…
The Wild Squatch Forest Takes Root
As I sketched out marketing pitches and dreamed up mascots for Squatch-Off, the Wild Squatch Forest began to unfurl in my mind.
A mystical forest alive with secrets, glowing symbols, Bigfoot, and Rune the Owl watching from above.
Trees sprouted from the soil of my imagination, their branches tangled with stories and secrets. I saw ancient wisdom carved into bark and whispered through leaves, a place where mysterious creatures like Bigfoot guided wanderers down mossy paths toward natural health and freedom.
But the forest didn’t just grow—it pulsed, alive with intuition and connection. It became more than a setting; it became a sanctuary, a universe, an entire ecosystem for those ready to reclaim their health sovereignty and step away from big pharma’s shadows. I wasn’t just launching a product—I was planting the seeds of an idea where health and freedom could take root and thrive.
The forest became a living, breathing metaphor for intuition and connection, reflecting the very essence of what I wanted Wild Squatch Wellness to be. It wasn’t just about repelling bugs—it was about reclaiming freedom, stepping out of the shadows, and trusting nature’s wisdom to light the way.
This whole process caught me off guard; I’d been guiding people as a health coach for years, always wanting to tie nature and Bigfoot and listening to your inner wisdom and intuition into that, but could never figure out how to do that. I still don’t quite know how a bug spray sparked an empire, but stranger things have happened in the woods. It snapped the puzzle pieces into place and laid out a sparkling, mysterious path to follow.
A New Dream, Born in the Wilderness
I followed that path, and now I’m thrilled to invite you to step onto that path yourself!
Learn more about Wild Squatch Wellness
You can be one of the first users of Squatch-Off, our completely organic, nature-derived, plant-based insect repellent. No factory chemicals, no pointless fillers or diluting agents. Just a pure, untainted, and fully potent combination of all-natural, minimally processed ingredients.
Squatch-Off: the bugs can’t find Bigfoot and they won’t find you! This all-natural insect repellent keeps you invisible to pests so you can truly enjoy the outdoors—no toxic chemicals, no compromises—just nature’s defense at its finest!

Legend has it that Bigfoot’s secret to staying hidden isn’t just stealth—it’s nature’s own defense. While we wait for Squatch-Off to launch this spring, you can get a head start with The Wild Squatches’ Natural Defense Guide! Borrow a page from Bigfoot’s survival playbook with 5 herbal remedies to stay off the bug radar.

Click the button below to download your free guide and join the Squatch-Off email list to be the first to know when pre-sales begin!
DOWNLOAD THE guide now!

January 8, 2025
Living Beyond the Edge (The Edge – Part 2)

Taking a leap into the unknown is never easy, but for us, it was a matter of survival. Leaving behind the safety nets of our old lives pushed us to grow in ways we never expected. That leap wasn’t just about changing our lives; it also changed the way we see health, balance, and even ourselves.
But here’s the thing about stepping into the unknown: it doesn’t stop at the leap. The real magic happens when you start to settle into that wild, untamed space and realize it’s been waiting for you all along. For us, that’s where nature stepped in—teaching us lessons about balance, healing, and what it really means to live fully.
Rediscovering Wisdom Beyond the Edge
What waits for you beyond your comfort zone? For many, it’s a journey into holistic wellness, a deeper connection to nature, or a willingness to question the systems we’ve trusted for too long. Take the modern medical-pharmaceutical industry, for example. While its strengths—like life-saving surgeries and emergency care—are undeniable, it’s also become a profit-driven machine that often focuses on treating symptoms rather than addressing root causes.
Ancient and alternative healing practices offer us something profound: balance. They focus on the whole person—body, mind, and spirit—and remind us to trust in nature’s ability to restore harmony. At first, these approaches might feel unfamiliar, but they’re rooted in traditions that have supported human health for centuries. Whether it’s through herbal remedies or mindfulness practices, they shift the focus from quick fixes to deeper, transformative journeys. Take nutrition, for example—it’s not just about what’s on your plate; it can be a powerful tool in managing chronic conditions like diabetes, often with results that go far beyond what medications can offer.
A Personal Journey: Ditching the Quick Fixes
For most of my life, I struggled with a malfunctioning thyroid. I tried countless medical “solutions”—all of them expensive, none of them lasting. No matter how hard I worked to shed the extra weight (and keep it off) or find my energy again, I kept hitting walls. Eventually, I had enough.

With some of the courage I’d cultivated on our adventure, and with support from a community that believed in natural wellness, I made a bold choice: I walked away from conventional medicine and began seeking natural alternatives.

From nutrient-packed meals to herbal teas and supplements, these natural interventions are helping me transform my thyroid health naturally.
It wasn’t easy—change rarely is—but it changed my life. Over the past several months, with the help of high-quality supplements, herbal teas, intentional nutrition, and even focused meditation, I’ve watched my body repair itself. My hair and nails are growing stronger, my body temperature is finally stabilizing, and even my underwear is fitting better! (If you know, you know.) For the full story, click here.
A Blueprint for Balance
Nature offers more than beauty—it offers wisdom. Just as ecosystems thrive when everything works together in harmony, our health flourishes when we take a holistic approach. Ancient practices like herbal medicine and mindfulness focus on prevention and the body’s innate ability to heal, while modern medicine excels in acute care and advanced technologies. When we bring these approaches together, we create a balanced, sustainable path to wellness.
Take turmeric, for example—a cornerstone of Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. Its active compound, curcumin, is celebrated for its powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Remedies like turmeric and ashwagandha aren’t just old traditions; they’re gaining recognition in modern wellness for their proven benefits. Even grounding techniques, like walking barefoot on natural surfaces, align beautifully with the balance ancient wisdom teaches us. They’ve been shown to reduce inflammation and lift our moods, reminding us that sometimes the simplest practices are the most profound.
Golden Milk Recipe: A cozy, anti-inflammatory drink to end your day with balance and warmth.

One of my favorite ways to embrace this balance is through my nightly ritual of golden milk. A simple blend of turmeric, cinnamon, and milk, it’s become a cornerstone of my thyroid healing journey. There’s something grounding and nurturing about this small act of self-care at the end of the day.
If you’d like to try it, click the recipe card above for an instant download!
Herbal Remedies, Leeches, and Modern Medicine: A Conversation
Herbal remedies often get written off as old-fashioned or ‘alternative,’ but science is starting to catch up to their potential. Take white willow bark, for example. This ancient remedy has long been used to relieve pain and inflammation—so much so that it inspired the development of modern aspirin. And ashwagandha? This incredible herb has been shown to lower cortisol levels and boost resilience to stress. These time-tested remedies remind us that ancient wisdom often has a place in modern wellness.
(For a deeper dive into the science, check out Nature’s Secret Sauce: 4 Reasons to Go Outside.)
That said, not every old remedy stands the test of time. Bleeding with leeches? Let’s leave that one in the past. But some ideas—like the power of laughter—are timeless. Research from institutions like the Mayo Clinic shows that laughter therapy can lower stress hormones, improve immune function, and release endorphins. Even a quick laugh can boost your mood and lower your blood pressure.
And let me tell you, few things are funnier than Scot wrestling with a broken black tank pipe.
The Great Black Tank Fiasco
Everyone—every RVing blogger, YouTuber, and parts person—had told us to NEVER put butt wipes down the toilet. But hygiene, especially in those parts, can be challenging in such a small space, and we found wipes that specifically said Safe for RV Septic Systems. Alas, the advertising was false. Soon, we found ourselves dealing with the proverbial poop pyramid, which was not only encroaching upwards into our living (and smelling) space but also leaking out the bottom onto our campsite. Being a Sunday and far from any kind of open parts store, we had to make do with what we had.

Scot, armed with duct tape, gloves, and a wildly misplaced sense of optimism, approached the failing pipes. And me? I was doubled over with laughter before he even got started. The first time he crouched under the camper, I heard a loud splatter and a string

of colorful language that made me laugh even harder. I could barely breathe. Between handing him a variety of wrenches, pliers, and other tools I couldn’t identify, tears streamed down my face.

To his credit, Scot gamely tried to make it work, but every time he adjusted something, a new leak sprouted. At one point, he emerged, covered in questionable splatters, and glared at me while I sat uselessly on a rock nearby, gasping for air between fits of giggles.

“Glad this is so entertaining for you,” he muttered, which, of course, only made it worse.

By the time the tank was temporarily patched with duct tape and a prayer, we were both laughing so hard we couldn’t even be mad. It was gross. It was ridiculous. And it was the best belly laugh I’d had in months.

Even after life’s messiest moments, laughter brings us together. A shared laugh by the river reminds us that joy is always within reach.
So no, leeches won’t be making a comeback in our wellness toolkit. But laughter? That’s staying forever. It’s a reminder that even when life gets messy—literally—there’s always something to smile about. And honestly, I’m still laughing at the memory of Scot’s poopocalypse.
What’s Beyond the Edge?
The edge of your comfort zone isn’t just a boundary—it’s a threshold. Beyond it lies the untamed terrain of discovery, where the unknown transforms from a place of fear into a wellspring of possibility. It’s where life nudges you to shed the familiar and step boldly into the wilderness of what could be.
Out there, past the safety of what you know, lies the birthplace of transformation. Maybe it’s redefining your health, discovering your wild purpose, or rekindling a connection to nature that once felt instinctive but now seems distant. Whatever calls you, stepping into the unknown is where life’s magic unfolds.
Picture this: you’re the adventurer, following tracks through the forest. The trees close in around you, shadows stretching long across the path. Each step feels uncertain, the trail ahead murky and undefined. Fear whispers that you should turn back, but curiosity pulls you forward. You don’t know where the tracks lead, but you keep walking because some part of you senses that the forest holds answers you can’t find anywhere else.
And then it happens—an opening in the trees. Sunlight filters through,
illuminating a view you couldn’t have imagined from where you started. The journey was winding and strange, but it brought you to a place where clarity emerges. Isn’t that how transformation works? The path isn’t always linear, but it always leads somewhere meaningful.

The mysterious path beckons…will you follow the tracks?
You Won’t Know if You Don’t Go
In many ways, the unknown is like Bigfoot. Elusive. Mysterious. A mix of wonder and intimidation. But that’s precisely why it’s so powerful—it challenges you to grow. Bigfoot’s tracks inspire curiosity, daring us to follow, even when the destination isn’t clear. And when you take that first step, you begin to uncover strengths and possibilities you didn’t know you had.
So, what waits beyond your edge? Maybe it’s a healthier body fueled by intentional choices. Perhaps it’s a life rooted in alignment with your values and passions. Maybe it’s an unshakable connection to the natural world, where you finally feel at home. The tracks ahead are yours to follow, but they require courage, trust, and an open heart.
Channel your inner Bigfoot. Be bold. Be curious. Trust the wildness beyond. Those tracks might not lead exactly where you expect, but they’ll take you exactly where you need to go. Sometimes, the most profound journeys start with a single, brave step into the unknown. Will you take it?
And speaking of the unknown, you can take the first step over the edge by discovering your unique Bigfoot Archetype with our Bigfoot Archetype Quiz!
🌲 Step into the Wild Squatch Forest! 🌲
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✨ Don’t miss a single trek into the unknown—sign up now and let the adventure begin! 🧈”
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December 20, 2024
Leaping Off The Edge (The Edge – Part 1)
Have you ever stood at the edge of something new and terrifying, a leap you weren’t sure you could take? Maybe it was a diving board as a kid—your heart racing, toes curled around the edge, your stomach doing flips. And there you were, every inch of you paralyzed by the thought of embracing the unknown. Would the water be freezing? Would the other kids laugh? But still, somewhere deep inside, a tiny voice whispered, “Jump.”
That’s how it feels to follow a mysterious set of tracks into the woods. You don’t know where they’ll lead, what you’ll find, or if you’ll ever come back the same. But here’s the thing: the unknown, much like our elusive friend Bigfoot, has a way of stirring the pot. It grabs your imagination, shakes you awake, and dares you to grow…if you dare.
Scot and I found ourselves at that edge in April 2020. The world was locked down, and our lives felt equally boxed in. Our jobs, which had been draining our energy for years, had become full-blown soul-suckers. The cracks in our foundation had turned into craters, and yet we clung to that crumbling familiarity like shipwreck survivors to a splintered plank. The known was killing us, but the unknown? That was uncharted territory. And honestly, it scared us.
But sometimes, life doesn’t leave you much of a choice. So we jumped. We left behind the careers, the safety nets, the societal expectations. We didn’t have a plan—just a destination: Millinocket, Maine. And while I wish I could say we leapt gracefully, the truth is we flailed. It was messy, uncomfortable, and humbling. But it was also the beginning of something wild and beautiful.
Curious about our leap of faith? Check out From Stressed to Squatched for our full story!
Why Do We Fear the Edge?
Let’s be honest: embracing the unknown gets a bad rap. Evolution trained us to avoid it; after all, in prehistoric times, the rustling in the bushes could have been a predator. But in modern life, that instinct can keep us stuck in routines that no longer serve us. Jobs we hate. Relationships we’ve outgrown. Even beliefs that don’t fit anymore. It’s all so safe, and yet, it’s suffocating.
The unknown, on the other hand, is like a shadowy forest. Sure, it’s dark, and yes, there might be bears. But it’s also where the magic happens. Growth, discovery, transformation—none of that happens on the well-worn trail. You have to step into the mystery. And isn’t it funny how every single thing we now call “familiar” started out as unfamiliar? A job, a friendship, a city—it all began as uncharted territory.
Bigfoot: Our Guide Along the Edge
We were high in the mountains of Eastern Oregon, under a full moon in June 2023, more than 30 miles from the nearest humans. After a grueling day of squatching—seven or eight miles of unforgiving terrain—we were completely wiped out. Daisy, our dog, had collapsed in the back seat hours earlier and hadn’t moved. Moonlight poured through the tent fly, casting the meadow in a silver glow so bright it felt like daylight.
A distant glimpse of our red truck and rooftop tent, awaiting our return from a long day of squatching.

The moon casts its glow over the meadow, setting the stage for an unforgettable night.

Camping under a full moon like this, who needs a lantern?
But the meadow wasn’t resting. Juvenile elk bugled and clashed antlers, foxes trilled, coyotes yipped and barked, and owls added their hoots to the mix. Even the crickets seemed determined to outdo one another. Lying there, exhaustion pulling at me, I thought, How am I supposed to sleep through this circus? Then, as if responding to my frustration, I muttered, “Would everyone PLEASE just SHUT UP?”
A scream ripped through the night—a sound so loud, so sharp, it cut through every other noise. Then came another scream, from a different direction. And then a third, somewhere else entirely. Scot and I froze in our sleeping bags, wide-eyed and silent. That wasn’t a cougar. It wasn’t a bear. It wasn’t anything we recognized. We didn’t dare speak, but the look we exchanged said everything: What. Was. That?
And just like that, the meadow went silent. Not a rustle, not a chirp. The quiet stretched until dawn, when the grouse began their morning drumbeats as if nothing had happened.
Embracing the Unknown Doesn’t Always Mean Understanding It…
To this day, we don’t know what made those screams, and we probably never will. I like to think the Sasquatch were as annoyed with the noise as I was. The mystery of that night stays with us, and it’s become one of our favorite stories.
Bigfoot, with all his mystery and intrigue, is the perfect symbol of the unknown. He challenges us to face the parts of ourselves we haven’t yet discovered, to step into uncharted territory where true growth begins. Just as Bigfoot roams the wild forests, we have the chance to explore the untamed parts of our own potential. And like any good Bigfoot story, it’s the journey—not the destination—that matters most.
Moving Beyond that Fearful Edge
Embracing the unknown and taking that step into it can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to happen all at once. When we launched our journey in 2020, we didn’t have everything figured out, but we found ways to move forward, step by step:
- We embraced curiosity: Instead of dwelling on “What if this goes wrong?” we leaned into “What might we discover?” Honestly, most of the time we just said, “What the hell? Let’s make it work.” That shift—from feeling stuck to seeing ourselves as adventurers—helped us take those first bold steps.
- We started small: No grand plans, no safety nets—just one clear goal: Millinocket, Maine. If we could get there on our last paychecks, we’d figure the rest out as it came. And ever since, it’s been about asking one simple question: What’s the next step? Then taking it.
- We leaned into uncertainty: Like spotting Bigfoot, there were no guarantees. Our journey wasn’t about knowing every answer but about growing into better versions of ourselves along the way—and yes, maybe catching a glimpse of something extraordinary.
- We found our people: Bigfoot doesn’t roam alone, and neither should we. When our old community no longer fit, we curated a new one. Letting go of relationships that didn’t support us made room for those that did.
- We celebrated every win: Big or small, every step mattered. On hard days, when the truck wouldn’t start or the batteries wouldn’t charge, we reminded ourselves how far we’d come. The life we used to dream about is the one we wake up to now, and that makes it all worth it.
But stepping beyond the edge isn’t just about embracing change—it’s about discovering what lies on the other side. Remember Indiana Jones?

For us, that leap of faith led to something deeper: a rediscovery of balance, wisdom, and the surprising ways nature has always been our greatest teacher.
(To be continued…)
Ready to Take Your First Step?
Embracing the unknown doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With the right tools, you can turn fear into curiosity and courage. That’s why we’ve created “Steps to Embrace the Unknown: Your Bigfoot Blueprint to Bravery”—a simple, actionable guide to help you navigate the wild and embrace your own edge.
Download the Blueprint Now and take your first step into the adventure of a lifetime.
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December 20, 2024
From Stressed to Squatched

We were drowning. In fact, we had been drowning for decades. The demands of life—raising a blended family, working 80-hour weeks in thankless careers, and scrambling through side hustles just to stay afloat—had finally left us gasping for air. Community obligations piled on, debt loomed larger each day, and our marriage buckled under the relentless pressure.
In public, we couldn’t tell friend from foe; in private, we were breaking apart. Divorce papers sat on the table, and tears of pain, frustration, and desperation became our constant companions. The boundaries between our public and private lives blurred into chaos. Even our adult children and pets could feel the tension that consumed our home.
We wanted out but felt trapped—tied to a life that no longer felt like our own. We knew something had to change. Life was overwhelming, and our stress management strategies – if we had any – weren’t working.
Then, in 2020, the world came to a standstill.
For the first time in decades, everything paused. It was then we faced a choice: continue suffocating in the life we’d built or take a leap of faith into the unknown.
Moving from Chaos to Clarity: How We Found Freedom in the Forest
As the global pandemic brought the world to a halt, we took a long, hard look at the life we were desperately trying to hold together. We made a drastic decision: finish the employment contracts binding us, cash out every resource, hook up our camper, and drive away—into the woods, both literally and metaphorically.
Our escape into the wild, where the journey From Stressed to Squatched began.
Yes, we were searching for Bigfoot. We poured our energy into building our dream and our nationwide organization (Squatch America). But we were also searching for something we couldn’t quite name—peace, clarity, maybe just a moment to breathe. Surrounded by towering trees and the hush of the forest, we began to piece ourselves back together—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
Along the way, as we searched for Bigfoot, we found something even more elusive: ourselves.
Ultimately, that’s how Wild Squatch Wellness was born—from the belief that reconnecting with nature helps us rediscover who we really are. We learned that within each of us lies a deeply embedded purpose, one far wilder than we could have ever imagined.
Reclaiming Our Wild Selves
We didn’t set out to find a new way of living—we just wanted to survive. We cranked out YouTube videos and learned how to carve out some financial security on our adventure. But somewhere between the towering trees and quiet nights, something shifted. The forest became more than a refuge; it became a teacher. Bit by bit, it showed us how to live again, reconnecting us with vitality, joy, and the mystery of it all.
Rediscovering Vitality
At first, it felt impossible to unwind from the grind. Our bodies carried the weight of years of stress and neglect, but the forest had its way of pulling us back to life. Walking beneath the trees, our breath grew deeper, our steps lighter. We let go of rigid schedules and started moving simply for the joy of it—chopping firewood, exploring trails, lying on the ground, and even developing my own daily yoga practice. (I still think “Sun Salutations with Sassy” could be a thing!)
Food took on a new meaning, too. Instead of rushing through meals or relying on convenience, we slowed down. We planned ahead, often cooking over an open fire. Instead of relying on “box foods” from the center of the grocery store, we started seeking fresh, organic, and locally grown ingredients. We learned what truly nourished our bodies and what caused dis-ease. Stress management is easier when the body is healthy and we experienced that firsthand. The forest reminded us that vitality doesn’t come from quick fixes or fads; it grows in the quiet, daily choices to honor your body and your instincts.
Embracing Joy
Joy didn’t return all at once—it crept in like sunlight through the trees. At first, it was the small things: the rustle of leaves on a windy day, the crackle of a campfire shared with friends, the laughter we hadn’t heard in far too long. As we gave ourselves permission to slow down and play, we began to see beauty in the messiness of life.
Pretty soon, we found ourselves staring up at constellations together, enjoying a silence that used to feel uncomfortable and awkward. Our hearts, once so distant, came back together and began beating in sync. Joy, we learned, isn’t about chasing away stress (we still have plenty of that); it’s about stress management that keeps us calmly present for all of the moments, allowing us to get through the difficult ones and truly savor the beautiful ones – together.
Reconnection and peace: Together, we found our wild truth amidst the trees.
Living the Mystery
The woods are full of mystery, and they invited us to embrace the unknown in a way we never had before. We didn’t always know where we were going, what the next day would hold, or how we would pay for it all, but instead of fighting the uncertainty, we leaned into it.
Searching for Bigfoot was a metaphor as much as it was an adventure. We found joy in asking questions and following trails we couldn’t see the end of. The forest taught us to trust our intuition, listen to its whispers, and find wonder in the journey rather than the destination.
There were times we got lost—literally and figuratively—but those detours often led us to something unexpected and beautiful. We discovered that living with mystery doesn’t mean having all the answers; it means making space for wonder and trusting that the path, however wild, will take you where you’re meant to go.
Your Wild Purpose Awaits
Wild Squatch Wellness was born from our journey from chaos to clarity…from stressed to squatched! We learned that it isn’t about trendy gimmicks or quick fixes—it’s about something far deeper: stepping away from the noise, reconnecting with what feels real, and finding the courage to live in harmony with yourself, your community, and the natural world – TRUE FREEDOM.
In the forest we learned that healing begins when we strip away distractions and listen to the quiet wisdom within. It reminded us that we’re not meant to live disconnected and overwhelmed. Each of us has a wild purpose—something rooted in who we are and how we’re meant to show up in the world.
We created Wild Squatch Wellness not just as a brand but as a gathering place for those who feel the same call. Whether you’re here to explore, learn, heal, or rediscover your own wild purpose, you’ve already taken the first step.
The forest opened its arms to us, and now we extend that same welcome to you. This is your invitation to slow down, reconnect, and embrace the journey ahead—to reclaim a vibrant, magical, and sovereign life. Your wild purpose awaits, and we’re so glad you’re here.
Are you ready to find your wild purpose? Download From Stressed to Squatched: A Daily Wellness Tracker to start your journey today!
Want to know just what your inner Wild Squatch is? Take the Bigfoot Archetype Quiz and discover the unique traits that make you, well, you!
🌲 Step into the Wild Squatch Forest! 🌲
Join the Wild Squatch tribe and unlock tales of health, adventure, and transformation. From Bigfoot-inspired wellness tips to magical recipes and exclusive goodies, our newsletter will guide you to your wildest purpose.
✨ Don’t miss a single trek into the unknown—sign up now and let the adventure begin! 🧈”
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December 3, 2024