Tag: Courage

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
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! 🌲
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 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.

🌲 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! 🧈”

Sign me up!
December 20, 2024