"The most secure place you can ever be is in prison." This quote from Amanda's father helped her realize that "security" isn't always the right thing to seek. Questing freedom for the soul may sometimes feel like the least secure thing to do.

Amanda Fong, Community Engagement Supervisor at the Three Rivers Park District, and I weave through topics like burnout, quitting-versus-failing, noticing when humility can become selfishness, and experiencing the freedom that can be found in mindful presence.

The poem I quote is "For the Students," by Emily Lygren. You can see her published work, What We Were Born For, here. The book I reference is Range by David Epstein. You can find that here.

Here is a rundown of what to expect:

3:00 - Girls Adventure Camp

12:30 - Soul freedom

15:00 - Early signs of burnout

21:00 - What is a real job anyway?

26:00 - When the soul screams, NO!

30:00 - #HighAchiever pressure

41:00 - Inner Voice Clarity

47:00 - Childhood outdoor experiences

53:00 - When can humility become selfishness?

55:00 - "Nothing about us without us"

1:04 - Stewarding the soul

1:10 - Web of gratitude

1:15 - Emily Lygren's, "For the Students"

This show might leave you jazzed about helping marginalized folks get into nature for equitable and uplifting experiences. If so, consider offering Three Rivers a small donation by clicking ⁠here⁠.

My lovely friend Ian Crawford's composition of "Waters" is heard in the intro and outro. Learn more about Ian ⁠here⁠.