Ever feel like the best kind of reset button is found on a dusty trail, far from the noise? You’re not alone. So many of us are searching for a bit of peace, a moment to breathe, and a way to reconnect with what truly matters.
Life can get incredibly busy and overwhelming. I get it. Stephen Montagne, our founder here at GoodExistence.com, knows this feeling all too well. He navigated his way through gaming addiction, binge eating, and the general fog of unhealthy habits. A huge part of his journey to losing over 110 pounds and finding a balanced, faith-filled life involved embracing simple, powerful changes. And you know what? Stepping into nature can be one of those powerful changes for anyone.
These aren't just pretty words. They are reminders of the strength, clarity, and joy waiting for us when we step outside.
Why We Crave the Wild
In our fast-paced world, we are constantly bombarded with notifications, demands, and an endless stream of information. It’s easy to feel disconnected from ourselves and what truly nourishes our souls. Nature offers an escape. It’s a place where the Wi-Fi is weak, but the connection is strong.
For Stephen, in the early days of breaking free from old patterns like excessive gaming and overeating, even a short walk outside was a victory. It was a simple act, a small win, but it was movement. It was fresh air. It was a moment of choosing something different, something healthier. That’s the power of nature – it meets you where you are.
It doesn’t demand perfection. It just asks you to show up. Whether it's a challenging mountain hike or a quiet stroll in a local park, nature has a way of clearing the mind and soothing the spirit. It’s a place where many, including Stephen, have found space for reflection, prayer, and a deeper connection with God.
Words to Walk By: 25 Quotes to Inspire Your Next Adventure
Sometimes, a few well-chosen words can spark motivation or offer a fresh perspective. Here are 25 quotes about hiking and nature that we hope will inspire you to get out there and explore.
- "Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt." – John Muir
This reminds us to step off the beaten path literally and figuratively. - "The mountains are calling, and I must go." – John Muir
That deep pull towards nature is a call worth answering. - "In every walk with nature, one receives far more than he seeks." – John Muir
You might go for exercise but find peace of mind. - "Hiking is not escapism; it’s realism. The people who choose to spend time in nature are not running away from life, but rather embracing it." – Jennifer Pharr Davis
It’s about connecting with the real world, in its purest form. - "Thousands of tired, nerve-shaken, over-civilized people are beginning to find out that going to the mountains is going home; that wildness is a necessity." – John Muir
Nature is a fundamental need, not just a luxury. - "Walk away quietly in any direction and taste the freedom of the mountaineer." – John Muir
There's a unique liberation in simply walking into the wild. - "Nature is not a place to visit. It is home." – Gary Snyder
This shifts our perspective from tourist to resident of the natural world. - "I took a walk in the woods and came out taller than the trees." – Henry David Thoreau
Nature has a way of elevating our spirit and perspective. - "The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step." – Lao Tzu
True for hiking, and true for any big life change, like losing weight or building new habits. - "It’s not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves." – Sir Edmund Hillary
Every hike teaches us something about our own strength and resilience. - "Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better." – Albert Einstein
The natural world holds profound wisdom if we take the time to observe. - "Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience." – Ralph Waldo Emerson
A great reminder to slow down in our instant-gratification world. - "The earth has music for those who listen." – William Shakespeare
Tune out the noise and tune into the subtle sounds of nature. - "To walk in nature is to witness a thousand miracles." – Mary Davis
From a tiny insect to a towering tree, wonders are everywhere. - "Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature’s peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees." – John Muir
Nature offers a deep sense of tranquility and healing. - "Going to the mountains is like going home." – John Muir
There's a sense of belonging and comfort in wild places. - "Returning home is the most difficult part of long-distance hiking. You have grown outside the puzzle and your piece no longer fits." – Cindy Ross
Profound experiences in nature change us, often for the better. - "Wilderness is not a luxury but a necessity of the human spirit." – Edward Abbey
We need wild spaces for our mental and emotional well-being. - "The best view comes after the hardest climb." – Unknown
This applies to challenges in life too. The effort is worth the reward. - "There are no shortcuts to any place worth going." – Beverly Sills
Embrace the process, the journey, the effort. It’s part of the adventure. - "The clearest way into the Universe is through a forest wilderness." – John Muir
Nature connects us to something vast and awe-inspiring. - "Hike more. Worry less." – Unknown
A simple mantra for a healthier, happier life. - "Jobs fill your pockets, but adventures fill your soul." – Jaime Lyn Beatty
Remember to make time for experiences that enrich you deeply. - "Leave nothing but footprints. Take nothing but pictures. Kill nothing but time." – Aliyyah Eniath
A vital reminder to respect and preserve the natural beauty we enjoy. - "May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds." – Edward Abbey
An embrace of the full, untamed experience of nature and life.
Taking the First Step (Or the Next One)
Reading these quotes might stir something in you. But how do you translate that feeling into action, especially if you feel stuck or overwhelmed? Remember Stephen’s journey. Overcoming deep-rooted habits like binge eating or laziness didn’t happen overnight. It started with small, consistent actions.
The same applies to embracing nature.
- Start small: You don’t need to conquer a massive peak on day one. Find a local park. Walk a gentle trail. Even 15 minutes of fresh air can make a difference.
- Keep it simple: You don’t need fancy gear to start. Comfortable shoes and a water bottle are often enough.
- Go solo or with a friend: Solitude in nature can be incredibly reflective. Hiking with a friend can be a great way to connect and stay motivated.
- Focus on how it feels: Pay attention to the sights, sounds, and smells. Notice the stress melting away. This positive reinforcement helps build the habit.
- Celebrate small wins: Did you go for that walk even when you didn’t feel like it? That’s a win! Stephen built his new life on celebrating small victories, and you can too.
Nature, Faith, and Finding Your Path
For many, including Stephen, nature is more than just a pretty backdrop. It's a sanctuary. It's a place where the quiet allows for deeper prayer and a stronger connection with God. The grandeur of a mountain range or the intricate design of a flower can inspire a profound sense of awe and reinforce faith.
When Stephen was strengthening his Christian Orthodox faith, spending time in quiet contemplation, sometimes outdoors, became an important practice. It helped him find purpose and clarity. The challenges on a trail—the steep inclines, the unexpected weather—can also mirror life’s struggles, teaching resilience, patience, and trust. Trust in your ability to keep going. Trust that there’s beauty even in the difficult parts. And for people of faith, trust in God’s presence and guidance.
Nature doesn't preach, but it teaches. It shows us cycles of renewal, the strength in quiet growth, and the beauty of simplicity. These are lessons that resonate deeply, whether you're on a spiritual journey, a health journey, or simply seeking a more meaningful existence.
The path to a better life, a "good existence," is often paved with these simple, profound experiences. So, which of these quotes spoke to you today? And more importantly, what’s one small step you can take this week to invite a little more nature into your life? You might be surprised by what you discover.
