82: Sam's Solo Backpacking Trip | Going Outside to Go Deeper Inside

Coach Sam is off on her first SOLO backpacking trip- 5 days across Catalina Island! This week she shares why she is choosing to do this adventure and how her desire to be both in nature and alone is just what the doctor ordered. So what happens exactly when you disconnect from everything in your daily life and identity to reconnect with your authentic self? While most people wait until they're in crisis mode to address their mental health, Coach Sam takes us on a journey through her proactive approach to mental wellbeing. This isn't about fixing something broken—it's about investing in herself before reaching a breaking point that leads to poor health outcomes. We dive deep into why creating space away from our roles, responsibilities, and daily demands opens up magical possibilities for self-discovery. Sam eloquently describes how changing your physical environment—especially immersing yourself in nature—activates creativity and mental clarity that's nearly impossible to achieve in familiar surroundings. The conversation explores those common fears that keep us from seeking solitude: Will I get bored? Will I be lonely? What if I don't like what I discover about myself?The physical challenge of carrying everything she needs while hiking 40 miles across an island represents something profound about self-reliance and possibility. As Sam shares, "How will you ever know what's possible if you don't show up for yourself?" Whether you're contemplating your own solo adventure or simply looking for ways to prioritize your mental health, this episode offers powerful insights about the transformative potential of disconnecting to reconnect.Remember that you don't need anyone's permission to be your best self. Your mental wellbeing isn't a luxury—it's a necessity. Follow Sam's journey on social media as she documents her experience, and consider what your version of a mental health sabbatical might look like. Because ultimately, how your life feels is far more important than how it looks.Subscribe now and join us when Coach Sam returns to share what she discovered on her wilderness solo!Send us Fan Mail Follow Coach Polly @getbusythriving and Coach Sam @thesamanthapruitt Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/everydayawesomeprojectFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/everydayawesomeprojectLinktree for ALL THE THINGS: https://linktr.ee/everydayawesomeprojectWebsite/About Us: https://everydayawesomeproject.com/about-us/