When in Doubt, Follow the Waterfall (and Your Joy)

Written By Wendy Wheeler

Alpine Lake - Cataract Trail

What if joy isn’t something you earn, but something you remember—like on a hike that accidentally turns from 8 to 12 miles?

My friend and I had the snacks, the plan, the AllTrails app… until AllTrails quit. No map, no clue—just waterfalls, redwoods, and a whole lot of guessing. But getting “lost” gave us more to love. We laughed, wandered, and soaked up every unexpected, joy-filled step.

Nature Knows the Way Back to You

We spend so much of life chasing goals, fixing problems, and pushing forward. But joy doesn’t always live in achievement—it often hides in stillness, surprise, and slowing down.

That’s what nature offers. It resets your system. It calls you into presence.

Every step reminded me: when we unplug, we reconnect—to ourselves, to others, to something deeper.

Why Nature Brings Us Joy

1. You land in the present.

No phone signal? Perfect. The trail pulls you out of your head and into the moment. You hear birds. You smell redwoods. You feel here—and that’s where joy lives.

2. It calms your whole body.

Nature lowers cortisol, quiets stress, and resets your nervous system. Breathing slows. Shoulders drop. A sense of “okayness” returns.

3. Play comes back.

With no set plan, we turned into explorers—spotting tiny details, soaking up the waterfall, and pausing in gratitude. That’s joy, tapping on your shoulder.

4. Connection deepens.

Walking side by side, we talked, listened, and sometimes just walked in silence. No performance. Just presence.

Want More Joy? Start Outside.

You don’t need a long hike. Try:

  • Drinking your coffee outdoors

  • Taking a slow walk without music or a podcast

  • Sitting under a tree and doing nothing

  • Watching clouds shift or leaves sway

Let it be simple. Let it be quiet. Let it be.

Let’s Walk Together

Nature doesn’t just help you escape. It helps you return—to clarity, peace, and your own heartbeat.

If you’re craving that reset, that reconnection, I’d love to walk beside you—literally and figuratively.

🌿 Feeling stuck or disconnected? Let’s create space for joy to return—on the trail, in your life, and in your heart.

Schedule a 1x1 Coaching session in the woods.

Until next time,

Wendy Wheeler

Wendy Wheeler

You're feeling lost, right? You're staring at your future, and it's a big, scary blank. I get it. I've been there. I climbed the corporate ladder, thinking that was the golden key to happiness. But let me tell you, it wasn't. I hit a wall, hard. And that's when I decided to jump off.

I ditched my 30+ year high power career, packed my bags, and found myself in India, doing yoga. Yeah, yoga! And then I hiked through Turkey, feeling the wind on my face, the earth beneath my feet. It was terrifying, exhilarating, and life changing. I discovered my purpose, my peace, my health, and, most importantly, my true self.

I know what it’s like to struggle and face life’s curveballs. I’ve worked my way through college while juggling a full-time job, raised my daughter, navigated divorce, and found love again. I’ve been outsourced, survived multiple mergers and acquisitions, and faced challenges that pushed me to grow in ways I never imagined.

Now, I'm here to help you navigate your life transitions. My mission? To guide you in uncovering your core values, finding balance, and breaking free from what's holding you back. I'm not just talking the talk; I've walked the walk.

Together, we'll set powerful goals, embrace vulnerability as your superpower, and create a life that truly resonates with who you are. This isn't just guidance; it's about making a lasting impact on your life—one filled with clarity, purpose, and joy.

Let’s get started on this journey together!

https://wendywheelercoaching.com

https://wendywheelercoaching.com
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