Wild Wisdom: How Nature Shapes Strong Women
How nature helps women to become fearless leaders
No one tells you that your first solo backpacking trip might involve wondering if your tent can survive a storm with only two poles.
In 2014 as a newbie backpacker, I set out on the Manistee River Trail with only my doodle dog, Howie, eager to embrace the wilderness. But as the sun set on my second night, and I found myself lost without a map as storm clouds gathered, I quickly realized I was in for more than I had bargained for.
I’d stupidly decided to use a picture of the trail map on my phone—rookie mistake number one. So as thunder rumbled, I scrambled to find shelter on a cliff above the river, setting up my husband’s ancient tent from college, only to discover I was missing a pole. As the storm raged and the river swelled below, at first fear overcame me; but eventually, so did a growing determination to survive. In that moment, unprepared and alone in the wild, I began to understand true resilience and courage.
It turns out that moment was just the beginning of my journey to discovering how the outdoors can shape us into stronger, bolder women. Nature, in its raw beauty, strips away our pretenses and shows us who we really are—and what we’re truly capable of. The wild spaces around us serve as both challenge and sanctuary, guiding us to discover wisdom, resilience, and fearless leadership within ourselves.
The Wisdom of Nature
Nature teaches us through its own rhythms, unyielding and unapologetic. The trail doesn’t care about your schedule, the weather doesn’t bend to your will, and the terrain won’t change for your comfort. It’s in these moments, when we face the raw reality of the natural world, that we learn patience and perseverance.
Navigating a rugged trail demands focus and determination—there’s no worrying about TPS reports or how you should really lose 15 pounds. Every obstacle is a lesson in resilience, teaching us not to conquer, but to adapt and persist. In the same way, weather can turn a peaceful hike into a test of endurance, reminding us that we can only respond to the elements, not control them.
Beyond these physical challenges, nature offers space for reflection. Away from the noise of daily life, it invites us to slow down and listen—to the world around us and to ourselves. Maybe that’s what happened to me during the storm. In this spacious “quiet” (even if the sound of the rain pounding on the fly drowns everything else out), we find clarity and wisdom that guide our decisions and shape our paths forward.
Building Resilience Outdoors
Engaging with the outdoors builds not just physical strength, but also mental and emotional resilience. Each challenge we face—whether a steep climb or a long hike—strengthens our determination and reveals our true capabilities.
I can remember mountain biking for the first time at Cannonsbug Ski Area, on a steep, treacherous course, riding a junk bike I’d bought at WalMart. I had no business attempting this course, especially alone. But I did it anyway, because I had something to prove. My lungs burned, my legs ached, and doubt crept in, but I kept going, remembering the storm I had survived on the Manistee River Trail. Reaching summit, I knew I had again found an inner strength that no one could take away.
Nature doesn’t just test our physical limits; it also pushes us to confront our deepest fears. Often, fear of the unknown is our biggest hurdle. On that first solo backpacking trip, huddled in my tent with only Howie, I faced a loneliness that can only be found in the wilderness. Yet, it was also in that solitude that I discovered my greatest strength—I was enough.
These experiences (and many more) taught me that the outdoors is a crucible for resilience. It forces us to confront our limitations, push through discomfort, and emerge with a deeper understanding of our capabilities. This strength becomes the foundation for facing all of life’s toughest challenges with courage and confidence.
The Power of Female Community in Nature
I started Outdoor Book Club when I first discovered the unique bond that forms among women when we go on outdoor adventures together. It’s one of the most powerful forms of community I’ve ever experienced (and I served in the military). In the wilderness, social structures fall away, leaving space for connection built on shared experiences and mutual support.
When women come together in nature, we tap into a deep well of camaraderie. The challenges we face—whether scaling a difficult trail or setting up camp in rough conditions—become shared experiences that knit us together in ways few other activities can. There’s an unspoken understanding, a recognition of each other’s strength and resilience, fostering a sense of sisterhood.
I remember my first group trip with five other women to Isle Royale, a remote national park in Lake Superior. The plan was to spend five days hiking through rugged terrain, carrying everything we needed on our backs. The rocks and roots on the trails tore up our feet (I remember thinking it was like hiking on bowling balls and baseball bats), the weather unpredictable, and our packs were heavier than they needed to be. But as each day wore on, we began to rely on each other in ways that went beyond sharing the physical load. We shared stories and gear, offered encouragement, and pushed each other to keep going.
One evening, after a particularly grueling day, we gathered around the picnic table to cook our dehydrated meals. The conversation turned deep, to our fears, dreams, and challenges. The vulnerability in those moments created a deep bond among us. The next day, we moved as one, encouraging each other with every step, sharing laughter in the face of adversity, and celebrating each small victory as a team.
These kinds of outdoor adventures create an environment where women can truly see each other’s strengths, offering and receiving support without judgment. The physical challenges of the wilderness strip away the superficial, leaving room for genuine connection. It’s in these moments that we discover not only our own strength, but the power of being part of a supportive, empowering community.
(More of that, please!)
Additionally, the bonds formed on the trail often extend beyond it, creating lasting friendships and networks of support that continue to empower us in all areas of our lives. When women come together in nature, we create a space where we can be our most authentic selves, push each other to new heights, and find strength in our shared experiences.
Bringing the Wild Wisdom Back to Daily Life
The wisdom we gain from nature doesn’t have to stay in the wilderness; it can and should follow us into our daily lives. The lessons of resilience, patience, and community that the outdoors imparts are tools we can use to navigate life’s challenges, especially in leadership roles or difficult situations.
Resilience, for instance, teaches us to push through obstacles in our professional and personal lives, just as we do on the trail. Patience reminds us that some things take time—whether waiting out a storm or climbing a steep incline. And the sense of community we build in nature helps us foster stronger, more resilient networks in our daily lives.
How do we integrate these lessons back in the “real world”? For me, it starts with incorporating practices that reflect the mindfulness and intentionality of my time outdoors. I spend a few moments of each day reflecting on my experiences in nature. I engage in regular physical activity that pushes me beyond comfort zone (even if it’s just forcing myself to take a break from the computer to go for a walk). And I try to seek out or create opportunities to connect with others in meaningful ways.
Finally, and this one can be the hardest, I try to make it a priority to seek out nature regularly as a source of ongoing wisdom and strength. Whether it’s a weekend camping trip, a morning walk, or time on my back deck listening to the birds, regular immersion in nature recharges my spirit and reminds me of the lessons it has to offer.
Conclusion
The older I get, the more convinced I am that nature, in its raw beauty, has a profound way of shaping us into stronger, more resilient women. Through its challenges, it teaches us to be patient and persevere, urging us to push beyond our limits and discover strengths we didn’t know we had. In the wild, we learn the value of community, as we lean on each other and build bonds that extend far beyond the trail.
On that stormy night along the Manistee River Trail, I was terrified, lost, and wholly unprepared. But as the storm eventually subsided and then morning light filtered through the trees, I emerged to a scene of stunning beauty—a gorgeous sunrise, trout jumping in the river, and a deep sense of peace. I was not “washed away”. With coffee in hand, I realized I had faced my fears and come out stronger. Howie and I packed up, found our way back to the car, and carried with me the knowledge that I was capable of so much more than I had imagined.
This is the gift of nature. It strips away the noise of everyday life, allowing us to see ourselves clearly, understand our strength, and connect with our true selves. I encourage you to embrace the wild spaces around you, seek out experiences that challenge and renew you, and let them shape your inner strength.
So, as you step into the wilderness, remember that the storm will pass, the sunrise will come, and you will find your way. The outdoors isn’t just a place, but a journey to discovering the fearless, resilient leader you were always meant to be.