Hey Uplifters,

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In this week's episode, you’ll meet Lauren Roerick, a trailblazing adventurer who's redefining what it means to take a walk in the woods. As the first North American woman to hike the 3,000-kilometer Hexatrek across France, Lauren has spent months at a time immersed in nature, pushing her limits, and learning profound life lessons along the way.

Lauren takes us on a journey through her unexpected transition from casual day hiker to a trailblazing long-distance backpacker. With warmth and humor, she shares how she tackled the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) as her first major hike, only to have her plans derailed by the pandemic… and then again by wildfires. But true to her adventurous spirit, Lauren didn't let that stop her - she pivoted to new trails and new challenges, always finding a way to keep moving forward.

Lauren's stories of perseverance, adaptability, and self-discovery will inspire you to push your own boundaries and embrace the unexpected twists in your path. She offers invaluable insights on listening to your intuition, finding joy in difficult moments, and the importance of rest in any endurance pursuit - whether you're hiking across a continent or tackling a big life goal.

5 Key Uplifting Lessons:

1. Embrace the journey, not just the destination - sometimes the unexpected detours lead to the most beautiful experiences.

2. Listen to your intuition and don't be afraid to change course when something no longer serves you.

3. Find joy in the moment, even during challenging times - it's a choice that can transform your experience.

4. Rest and self-care are crucial parts of any endurance pursuit, whether in nature or in life.

5. Solitude can be a powerful tool for connecting with yourself and strengthening your inner voice.

Keep up with Lauren on Instagram: @laurenroerick and YouTube: @laurenroerick

Thanks to Jill Greenwood for nominating Lauren and to Christina Testut for our opening message this week.