#134 - Freedom From Expectations with Justin Helmkamp

Text the show!Justin Helmkamp completed his Triple Crown of Thru-Hiking in 2021.  He’s now hiked the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and the Continental Divide Trail in full.  How’s that for an accomplishment?!  Justin is an outstanding human being.  Between his PCT and CDT hikes, he worked as a Wilderness Therapy Guide helping troubled teens.  As you’ll hear in this episode, it was during that time that Justin developed into who he is today.  His hike up the CDT this last summer was one for the books.  He not only made the trail his own while capturing some absolutely stunning imagery, but he also freed himself of other people’s expectations.  This might be my favorite portion of our conversation.  In his own words, he’ll share a simple yet profound moment on the trail when it all clicked and he let it all go.  He found freedom on the CDT this year and I believe that’s something we could all celebrate.Show Notes and LinksCatching up with Justin and his recent Triple CrownWhat it feels like to be finishedWhat waiting to hike the CDT did for Justin’s personal growthHow experiences in wilderness therapy prepared Justin for the CDTThemes for each trail on a personal levelThe creative juice of a thru-hikeOn giving yourself permission to do something adventurous Thoughts on the “habitual” thru-hiking lifeCDT self-realizationsWhat comes next  Favorite spot on the CDTGrizzly bear moments Thoughts on NOBO vs. SOBO on the CDT https://www.justinhelmkamp.com/@justinhelmkampSupport the showThanks for listening! Check out the links below to learn more, connect, and support the show. www.byland.co Join the newsletter Beginner backpacking course Support the show emory@byland.co