Justin my family met you in Connecticut. You were a gift to myself and adult children. We will always give trail magic and think of you. I send people to your You Tube page!
Dear Justin, I watched a sampling of your videos today of your thru hike journey including this one. I loved the videos and I hope you are feeling better. I also just wanted to say, nothing in life quite works out as expected for all of us whether it’s a thru hike, marriage, family, jobs, children etc. life brings us all disappointments and heartache just at different times. I said a special prayer for you today. I think you are a special light and person and have much to offer this world. 😊😊😍❤️
I think your view about your hike will change over time. It has changed you in ways you haven’t figured out yet. I saw you on trail in Vermont and we briefly talked. You are a part of a relatively small club, many of us felt lost upon returning to “real life”. In my days nobody talked about that. It’s hard having so much ahead of you and finding the right path in life. You will be fine. Don’t stop hiking. It’s good for you. Thanks for being so honest.
Justin, you are a quality human. I still remember your beautiful tribal acknowledgements as you traversed their territory. Giving back to others, as you now seem destined, with fill your own cup. That’s what will bring you happiness. You learned a lot during this past year that has value. Share it. You could be the change in a young person’s life. What greater gift?
Super cute hair! Always love your honesty and straightforwardness in your videos. I feel that it is so hard to put into words what it feels like to come back from a thru hike…I’m over a year past when I completed my AT thru hike, and I still don’t quite know how to talk about to people who haven’t done one. I’m glad you’re getting some time and space to figure out what you might want to do next, and recovery is so important. Wilderness therapy sounds awesome! I will keep lookin for those further updates whenever you feel up to posting them. ✌️
Justin, Thanks for the update! Love the hair BTW. Wish you were on my coast and we could go grab a coffee or head down to my little place on the ocean in Mexico just to decompress. One thing about all your videos i've found is I feel you, in every single one, whether it be your frustration or you depression or joy, so you have a gift of reeling people in. The one thing you have to ask yourself and it's not always an easy question to answer but...What brings you joy? You have so much ahead of you and at this point can do whatever you want with your life because you have no strings yet. Yeah not having a car is a set back but that's temporary and you'll have one soon enough that is if you want one again. The non-profit sounds like it will be a fulfilling job but again lets see if it brings you JOY, if it does great stick with it or something like it. Back to your AT experience you still may not have found what you've learned yet but maybe in time you will, don't beat yourself up about it, it is what it is! I believe in everything happens for a reason and I believe you hiked that hike alone for a reason, not known as of yet. Anyway I wish you all the best and I look forward to learning how things are going for you and the new job so please keep us updated. I'm soon going to purchase an RV and take off on the road for a year or two so that should be interesting, maybe i'll start a TH-cam channel LOL. All my best to you Justin please think positive thoughts and be happy for the blessings you have which are many. Your family brought tears to my eyes in the episode with them visiting you, close family is truly a blessing. LOVE, HOPE and HAPPINESS
I appreciate your message. I’m actually looking to make my way to the western US in the spring of next year, so you and I might be able to grab that coffee soon 😉
Justin, So very good to hear from you and excited to hear of your interest in wilderness therapy programs. My caution in that regard is to appreciate that all such programs are not created equally and the research remains inconclusive with respect to significant positive outcomes experienced by participants. That is certainly not to say this “treatment” modality cannot have a significant impact in increasing and possibly habituating problem solving skills useful for addressing life’s challenges. We all engage in problem solving, often through self counseling or self talk. The extent to which this is useful, I believe, is contingent on possession of the personal skill sets necessary to accurately evaluate what we are telling ourselves about events we encounter as we journey through life each day and how our thoughts about those events influence our responses. Given your apparent penchant for exploring any new area of interest, I have little doubt you have/will examine closely this field of interest to help guide you in your thinking about career decisions you may make. Using wilderness settings as a vehicle to help individuals broaden perspectives, increase problem solving skill sets, team building, self exploration, engage in rational thinking, etc, does have a proven track record, you need look no further than the Outward Bound program started in the UK in the mid 1940’s now found in many countries (including the US). Specifically, in the US, I refer you to a program with similar conceptual underpinnings, the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) begun in Lander Wyoming in the middle 60’s. You may find of special interest, beyond their involvement with NASA, the University of Utah, and The Wilderness Medicine Institute, their role in initiating, organizing and leading Expedition Denali , the first team of African Americans to attempt a summit of Denali (Mt McKinley). I guess what I am trying to say, perhaps poorly, is if this is truly a career direction you want to move in life it may prove useful to build upon your already significant accomplishments by acquiring additional experiential/educational background that would support this pursuit. I apologize for running on for so long but after forty plus years of trying to make a difference in the life of folks who just need some help in acquiring the resources and skills necessary to become the person they each identify as contributing members of this challenging world in which we live, I have come to believe you have the prerequisite character, intellect and physical capability necessary to be successful in this field of endeavor and this is my way of offering encouragement. Best wishes and good thoughts coming your way, peace brother.
Justin, I am super proud of you. I heard about your hike through your family. They were SOOOO proud of you. I had never heard of anyone that is young African American male and gay that has openly taken this journey. Your honesty and the sadness...will help someone ....you should seek some support....talk to someone who understands ALL your struggles...you have a lot of experiences to share, and these experiences will help someone else. It hurts now....but you will regain that spark...stay FOCUSED....I am looking forward to hearing your VICTORIES!!!
God bless you in your next endeavors. You are very honest and sharing and I think that is wonderful. Keep in mind that you really could not control how things "played out" on the AT. You put yourself out there because you had a vision. Even though it was not what you expected you finished the AT in spite of everything else that was happening in your world. Listening to you talk about the wilderness therapy I was struck by how appropriate that could be, I am guessing that is no surprise. I have never heard of that term but when I was young my mom sent me on a 3 week experience in the northern Maine wilderness and I was surrounded by young people from all walks of life that were experiencing the "outdoors" for the first time. I did not realize this for many years, but it was a really impactful experience for me. I am confident that you can impart some great knowledge and caring comfort to anyone in the wilderness therapy program. Good luck and I will look forward to future updates.
Glad to see you again! I think you would be amazing at the Wilderness camps! If only I had the courage that you have when I was younger to follow my dreams.
Hey Justin - I wanted to first send you a belated congratulations for finishing your hike - I followed you from day 1 but fell behind in late summer. It is such a significant achievement - you worked so hard and achieved your goal and I hope you're proud of your accomplishment. I appreciated your honesty throughout the hike - as I hope to one day thru hike, I find these honest assessments eye opening. I'm sorry you don't yet have 100% positive feelings of your journey and that at times you felt isolated. I hope you're able to hold on to the good - I saw you have lots of good moments and maybe over time you'll prioritize the good over the bad in your mind. I wish you all of the best going forward and please keep us updated of any future plans!!
Justin, it’s really great to see you again. Honest and true as always. I wish and hope that you find the joy you are seeking . As for the AT, you have inspired this LGBT senior Black women to start hiking. I never thought in a million years that I would even entertain such an challenge. But I’m making plans. I’ve done 10 Aids lifecycle rides and now I’m taking up hiking. Inspired by a gentleman named Justin who I’ve never met but who generously took me and so many others on an amazing adventure. You honored El Chapo. You honored the Native people who came before us and cared for the land. You cared for the land . It was lonely like many things are when a person finds themselves in a place where no one looks like them or has shared experiences. Bless you for hanging in there. So many are proud of your accomplishment and so inspired by your example . I hope one day you see the importance of your AT Thru hike. All the best in your new work. Any person who finds you as their mentor and guide , will be the luckiest person ever ! 😊
He went from Georgia to Maine alone and sur ived . I have an idea of some of the heartache and trials you dealt with . Fatigue hunger lonely and so many other feelings. But like the Phoenix he rose out of the ashes stronger and now teach others to be strong
Hi! So glad to see you again! It is a blessing that you could actually take the time to rest, heal, and have a home to return too. You are an awesome young man, and I just know it time you will find your footing and life’s purpose. You take care, enjoy your life journey, one day at a time!❤️🙏🏾❤️
Congrats and one day you will look back at your trip with a sense of accomplishment. Expectations often lead to unsatisfied results. Follow your heart.
Glad to see you’re “back”! Like the do!! Sorry to hear about your struggles. I can tell you were and still are disappointed with your trail experience; however, this was a major accomplishment that you completed. In time you will realize it when you realize the value of your achievement. I am quite proud of your accomplishment and grateful that you were willing to share your true feelings and the journey. I wish you well in life and your next adventure. Stay positive and “this to shall pass.”
Thank you for sharing your truth. I know it took a lot to get on here and share. I like you have different perspective and you kept it real. I look forward to seeing what will be next for you ❤
Hi there. I think you will be great at helping people connect to the healing properties to Nature. It will nurture and strengthen your compassion and give you that sense of the wider purpose you strive for. I first saw you on your video hiking the Loyalsock trail. You were so enthusiastic and cool. Thanks for sharing how you feel now. You may be in a bit of a trough now, but soon you will back riding the crest of the wave. Grab hold of your time while you are young. Old age comes so fast. Finding out so young that you don't want to do a desk job is a hugh accomplishment. Though you are still searching for your calling, sometimes knowing what you don't want is a big saving grace. Hang in there. Keep connecting with nature and somewhere along the path/trail of life you may be fortunate to find some kindred spirits and the understanding you seek. It may not be evident to you in your current state of feeling and being, but the wisdom you gained on the trail/life's journey will always be within you as a precious gift you can share. 🤲 🌠
I’ve watched a lot of vlogs where people are jumping back on trail bc of the displacement they feel when they come home. I’m sad you don’t feel that accomplished about your thru hike. I hope you find someone to talk to who can help you with these feelings. I’m hoping you find something/somewhere that makes you feel connected and that you belong! ❤
Nice to see you again my fellow human. Yes the hair is a good look... I think R.E.I. has taken on the corporate persona, not about hiking experience, just sales and profits. I was a member 40+ years ago and they were awesome then. ✌️l have told you before but l am grateful to you for the shout outs to the native people's that lived in those areas. Oh wow, the job sounds potentially great, l would love that if l was your age. You are special, you care✌️🤗💗
Nice to see you again! Love the hair!!! I’m sorry things didn’t work out like you’d envisioned and about the depression. You’re not the only person this year I’ve heard experiencing depression post hike. I pray things get better on all fronts for you, Justin!❤
Justin my heart goes out to you , Post Tru hike depression is real and I do admire your accomplishment and your honesty. Hope this video confession has helped and please take care of your mental health
You are the most honest person ! I so much admire that you pushed yourself to finish! You are a strongperson to be ableto do that. Maybe think about where that strength came from?
You are young, you think too much, you are healty, there is only one trailhead justin. Dalai Lama said to me years ago: if you only look at the end of your nose you will see a little, but if you look towards the horizon you will see the whole world. I just came back from Ukraine, everything was blown up there. But people, especially children, continued to believe in a better tomorrow.
I'm still listening to this video, but these are thoughts I have... just listening and observing and, of course, my own experiences in life bias me. One, the feeling of being lost is a terrible feeling - feeling purposelessness is well, hard. And, seeing how other people get a deeper meaning in life and develop deep relationships and then you find your experience walking away from it with NOT getting that is a super "empty" feeling. Life can be really lonely in your own head. Just keep listening to your head. And I think what you are thinking of doing sounds really good and fulfilling - that seems to be what you are searching for - MEANING. I get it. I struggle a lot with that too. and I'm a LOT older than you. And being a wilderness guide would be wonderful - and I hope you can find meaning in that route.
It was good to see another video from you pop up Justin and btw love the hair. Attitude is the 'little' thing that makes a big difference. You inspire Justin more than you realise. I listen to just how much you think in depth, your mind is getting its shit together and slowly you will work it all out. Someone below said it, you have a knack of drawing people to you, I think its the straight talker, no mincing words, say it as it is kind of person. Yes it would feel weird coming home, no doubt about it, you are literally gone from the world as you know it and into another life for 8 months or whatever, come home, no things won't be the same, family dynamics as you said, everyday life, friends.... life moves on, life continues, little things change. Don't be disappointed in yourself, you did not fail. You only fail when you quit trying. Its the courage to continue that counts. All dreams are within reach. All you have to do is keep moving towards them. Sounds like you have a good start to your future endeavours right in this video. Stay safe :)
Brother, How are you! I’m literally watching this video right now on my Apple TV while writing you on my phone. I assume you remember me a little. I gave you the bands for your ankle at Unicoy Gap in Helen, GA. Anyway, I’m headed out to the Appalachian trail for my Thru hike starting February. You seem like you need a little encouragement. What can I do for you brother? Stay in touch. I’d love to hear from you!
Hi Justin, I'm glad to see you again on youtube. Thank you for being so honest with us about your A.T. experience. It sounds like it was very painful both for how disconnected you felt from other people out there and for not meeting your expectations especially since so many people emphasize the social aspect of through hiking as one of the best parts of it. I know you said that you were disconnected beyond being black and queer, but at the same time how much do you think that really did contribute to the disconnection you felt out there? And if you think there was more beyond that what was it? Also you described your through hike as a failure. When I think of failure I think of something the person did to not succeed. Do you think there's anything you did to make your through hike a failure or do you think it was rather that the A.T. is not as comfortable a place for somebody who's black and queer as for others? You look really good and I'm glad that you're excited about your future career prospects.
I didn’t feel as though my loneliness was 100% associated with differences in race or identity. Rather, I felt in large part that my overall approach to thru-hiking was different than many others I met. It felt to me that there was a lack of camaraderie amongst hikers, due to everyone’s desire to stick to their own agendas. Many folks whom I came across wanted to be left alone, or weren’t super inviting once they found their small tramily or hiking buddy. I, on the other hand, wanted to include as many hikers in my experience as possible, but a lot of the time I just felt left out of the social scene.
@@TrailheadJustin so do you think that more through hikers took an individualistic instead of a collectivistic approach or that the culture of through hiking is too individualistic? Or emphasizing people's agendas over relationships?
I think individual agendas were largely prioritized. I didn’t feel much camaraderie until the last few weeks when everyone recognized we were reaching the end.
Have you ever thought about working at a plant nursery? Working with plants, caring for them and educating the customers on their selections. It’s a physical job and a lot of time is spent outside. Best of luck on your continued journey.)
Taking the social aspects of the trail away, did you at least enjoy your time in, and communing with, nature? I know as a hiker I would be happy with that aspect of the trail, and would have no desire, or expectation for the more social, “Tramily” experience of the hike. That’s not to say I wouldn’t make use of a shelter occasionally or hike with a small group here and there, just that I would be looking for, and focusing on, the natural experience more than the social.
This sounds like a great opportunity - at the right time, can you share the non profit link - I believe myself ( and company ) would love to support it
Be proud of yourself. You walked over 2000 miles up and down mountains and the weather. Congratulations! I’m proud of you!🎉❤don’t forget about those mountains you conquered in New Hampshire, and Maine. you are my hero! 😊😊😊😊 you can do anything you put your mind to.
As soon as I got the end of Summer REI catalog, I thought of you. The “Outdoor Afro” marketing upset me, but the need to develop an environment where more minorities were encouraged, and felt safe engaging in outdoor pursuits, was not lost on me. And, of course, I immediately thought of your prior post, and how you would be a perfect ambassador for minority youth in the outdoors. I feel that the layer of “at risk” brings an added challenge that few are prepared to succeed in, especially without formal training. It also adds a barrier to being receptive to the outdoors and getting the most out of the experience. I wish you all the best when faced with the challenge of leading that group, and hope you stay safe and don’t succumb to frustration. Overall though, I would encourage you to think about starting your own non-profit, and just working on introducing urban youth to the outdoors. There are huge challenges to overcome, even without the “at risk” personalities factored in, and there is certainly no lack of long-term benefits that the kids can gain. If bringing value and appreciation of the outdoors to new communities is your goal, and expanding access to the outdoors to minorities is your goal, you will have more success by not adding the “at risk” element to your mentees. While some feel the peace of the outdoors can be some sort of magical experience that allows people to transcend their issues, the reality is that the outdoors can become a trigger, particularly for those who need an environment that they feel safe and comfortable in to thrive. Outdoor immersion can be particularly stressful for those who are already on edge and have zero experience in nature.
You are onto something, as I do have a goal of starting my own business in time. I am familiar with the nature of Wilderness Therapy, and I’ve also done some research on the criticisms of these programs. But I do believe there are positive aspects as well. And ultimately, I’m using this as a stepping stone to gain what I feel to be valuable experience to send me further down my own path. I appreciate your input nonetheless.
Justin my family met you in Connecticut. You were a gift to myself and adult children. We will always give trail magic and think of you. I send people to your You Tube page!
Justin my family met you in Connecticut. You were a gift to myself and adult children. We will always give trail magic and think of you. I send people to your You Tube page!
Justin my family met you in Connecticut. You were a gift to myself and adult children. We will always give trail magic and think of you. I send people to your You Tube page!
Dear Justin, I watched a sampling of your videos today of your thru hike journey including this one. I loved the videos and I hope you are feeling better. I also just wanted to say, nothing in life quite works out as expected for all of us whether it’s a thru hike, marriage, family, jobs, children etc. life brings us all disappointments and heartache just at different times. I said a special prayer for you today. I think you are a special light and person and have much to offer this world. 😊😊😍❤️
I think your view about your hike will change over time. It has changed you in ways you haven’t figured out yet. I saw you on trail in Vermont and we briefly talked. You are a part of a relatively small club, many of us felt lost upon returning to “real life”. In my days nobody talked about that. It’s hard having so much ahead of you and finding the right path in life. You will be fine. Don’t stop hiking. It’s good for you. Thanks for being so honest.
Justin, you are a quality human. I still remember your beautiful tribal acknowledgements as you traversed their territory. Giving back to others, as you now seem destined, with fill your own cup. That’s what will bring you happiness. You learned a lot during this past year that has value. Share it. You could be the change in a young person’s life. What greater gift?
☝️
Super cute hair! Always love your honesty and straightforwardness in your videos. I feel that it is so hard to put into words what it feels like to come back from a thru hike…I’m over a year past when I completed my AT thru hike, and I still don’t quite know how to talk about to people who haven’t done one. I’m glad you’re getting some time and space to figure out what you might want to do next, and recovery is so important. Wilderness therapy sounds awesome! I will keep lookin for those further updates whenever you feel up to posting them. ✌️
Justin, Thanks for the update! Love the hair BTW. Wish you were on my coast and we could go grab a coffee or head down to my little place on the ocean in Mexico just to decompress. One thing about all your videos i've found is I feel you, in every single one, whether it be your frustration or you depression or joy, so you have a gift of reeling people in. The one thing you have to ask yourself and it's not always an easy question to answer but...What brings you joy? You have so much ahead of you and at this point can do whatever you want with your life because you have no strings yet. Yeah not having a car is a set back but that's temporary and you'll have one soon enough that is if you want one again. The non-profit sounds like it will be a fulfilling job but again lets see if it brings you JOY, if it does great stick with it or something like it. Back to your AT experience you still may not have found what you've learned yet but maybe in time you will, don't beat yourself up about it, it is what it is! I believe in everything happens for a reason and I believe you hiked that hike alone for a reason, not known as of yet. Anyway I wish you all the best and I look forward to learning how things are going for you and the new job so please keep us updated. I'm soon going to purchase an RV and take off on the road for a year or two so that should be interesting, maybe i'll start a TH-cam channel LOL. All my best to you Justin please think positive thoughts and be happy for the blessings you have which are many. Your family brought tears to my eyes in the episode with them visiting you, close family is truly a blessing. LOVE, HOPE and HAPPINESS
I appreciate your message. I’m actually looking to make my way to the western US in the spring of next year, so you and I might be able to grab that coffee soon 😉
Justin, So very good to hear from you and excited to hear of your interest in wilderness therapy programs. My caution in that regard is to appreciate that all such programs are not created equally and the research remains inconclusive with respect to significant positive outcomes experienced by participants. That is certainly not to say this “treatment” modality cannot have a significant impact in increasing and possibly habituating problem solving skills useful for addressing life’s challenges.
We all engage in problem solving, often through self counseling or self talk. The extent to which this is useful, I believe, is contingent on possession of the personal skill sets necessary to accurately evaluate what we are telling ourselves about events we encounter as we journey through life each day and how our thoughts about those events influence our responses. Given your apparent penchant for exploring any new area of interest, I have little doubt you have/will examine closely this field of interest to help guide you in your thinking about career decisions you may make. Using wilderness settings as a vehicle to help individuals broaden perspectives, increase problem solving skill sets, team building, self exploration, engage in rational thinking, etc, does have a proven track record, you need look no further than the Outward Bound program started in the UK in the mid 1940’s now found in many countries (including the US). Specifically, in the US, I refer you to a program with similar conceptual underpinnings, the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) begun in Lander Wyoming in the middle 60’s. You may find of special interest, beyond their involvement with NASA, the University of Utah, and The Wilderness Medicine Institute, their role in initiating, organizing and leading Expedition Denali , the first team of African Americans to attempt a summit of Denali (Mt McKinley). I guess what I am trying to say, perhaps poorly, is if this is truly a career direction you want to move in life it may prove useful to build upon your already significant accomplishments by acquiring additional experiential/educational background that would support this pursuit.
I apologize for running on for so long but after forty plus years of trying to make a difference in the life of folks who just need some help in acquiring the resources and skills necessary to become the person they each identify as contributing members of this challenging world in which we live, I have come to believe you have the prerequisite character, intellect and physical capability necessary to be successful in this field of endeavor and this is my way of offering encouragement. Best wishes and good thoughts coming your way, peace brother.
Justin, I am super proud of you. I heard about your hike through your family. They were SOOOO proud of you. I had never heard of anyone that is young African American male and gay that has openly taken this journey. Your honesty and the sadness...will help someone ....you should seek some support....talk to someone who understands ALL your struggles...you have a lot of experiences to share, and these experiences will help someone else. It hurts now....but you will regain that spark...stay FOCUSED....I am looking forward to hearing your VICTORIES!!!
God bless you in your next endeavors. You are very honest and sharing and I think that is wonderful. Keep in mind that you really could not control how things "played out" on the AT. You put yourself out there because you had a vision. Even though it was not what you expected you finished the AT in spite of everything else that was happening in your world. Listening to you talk about the wilderness therapy I was struck by how appropriate that could be, I am guessing that is no surprise. I have never heard of that term but when I was young my mom sent me on a 3 week experience in the northern Maine wilderness and I was surrounded by young people from all walks of life that were experiencing the "outdoors" for the first time. I did not realize this for many years, but it was a really impactful experience for me. I am confident that you can impart some great knowledge and caring comfort to anyone in the wilderness therapy program. Good luck and I will look forward to future updates.
Glad to see you again! I think you would be amazing at the Wilderness camps! If only I had the courage that you have when I was younger to follow my dreams.
Hey Justin - I wanted to first send you a belated congratulations for finishing your hike - I followed you from day 1 but fell behind in late summer. It is such a significant achievement - you worked so hard and achieved your goal and I hope you're proud of your accomplishment. I appreciated your honesty throughout the hike - as I hope to one day thru hike, I find these honest assessments eye opening. I'm sorry you don't yet have 100% positive feelings of your journey and that at times you felt isolated. I hope you're able to hold on to the good - I saw you have lots of good moments and maybe over time you'll prioritize the good over the bad in your mind. I wish you all of the best going forward and please keep us updated of any future plans!!
Justin, it’s really great to see you again. Honest and true as always. I wish and hope that you find the joy you are seeking . As for the AT, you have inspired this LGBT senior Black women to start hiking. I never thought in a million years that I would even entertain such an challenge. But I’m making plans. I’ve done 10 Aids lifecycle rides and now I’m taking up hiking. Inspired by a gentleman named Justin who I’ve never met but who generously took me and so many others on an amazing adventure. You honored El Chapo. You honored the Native people who came before us and cared for the land. You cared for the land . It was lonely like many things are when a person finds themselves in a place where no one looks like them or has shared experiences. Bless you for hanging in there. So many are proud of your accomplishment and so inspired by your example . I hope one day you see the importance of your AT Thru hike. All the best in your new work.
Any person who finds you as their mentor and guide , will be the luckiest person ever ! 😊
Thank you 🙏🏾
He went from Georgia to Maine alone and sur ived . I have an idea of some of the heartache and trials you dealt with . Fatigue hunger lonely and so many other feelings. But like the Phoenix he rose out of the ashes stronger and now teach others to be strong
Hi! So glad to see you again! It is a blessing that you could actually take the time to rest, heal, and have a home to return too. You are an awesome young man, and I just know it time you will find your footing and life’s purpose. You take care, enjoy your life journey, one day at a time!❤️🙏🏾❤️
Congrats and one day you will look back at your trip with a sense of accomplishment. Expectations often lead to unsatisfied results. Follow your heart.
Glad to see you’re “back”! Like the do!! Sorry to hear about your struggles. I can tell you were and still are disappointed with your trail experience;
however, this was a major accomplishment that you completed. In time you will realize it when you realize the value of your achievement. I am quite proud of your accomplishment and grateful that you were willing to share your true feelings and the journey. I wish you well in life and your next adventure. Stay positive and “this to shall pass.”
Thank you for your insight. I’m prepping for the AT & your honesty is really refreshing. I’m sorry the trail wasn’t what you’d hoped.
Sending you well wishes as you continue to adjust and find what's next. The wilderness therapy sounds amazing. I hope it works out!
Thank you for sharing your truth. I know it took a lot to get on here and share. I like you have different perspective and you kept it real. I look forward to seeing what will be next for you ❤
Thanks for letting us know what ur up to. You have a great (screen) presence. I always enjoyed your videos Justin. You are well spoken. ☮️♥️
Ahhhhh!!! Justin! I’m so happy to see you!!!
Hi there. I think you will be great at helping people connect to the healing properties to Nature. It will nurture and strengthen your compassion and give you that sense of the wider purpose you strive for. I first saw you on your video hiking the Loyalsock trail. You were so enthusiastic and cool. Thanks for sharing how you feel now. You may be in a bit of a trough now, but soon you will back riding the crest of the wave. Grab hold of your time while you are young. Old age comes so fast. Finding out so young that you don't want to do a desk job is a hugh accomplishment. Though you are still searching for your calling, sometimes knowing what you don't want is a big saving grace. Hang in there. Keep connecting with nature and somewhere along the path/trail of life you may be fortunate to find some kindred spirits and the understanding you seek. It may not be evident to you in your current state of feeling and being, but the wisdom you gained on the trail/life's journey will always be within you as a precious gift you can share. 🤲 🌠
I’ve watched a lot of vlogs where people are jumping back on trail bc of the displacement they feel when they come home. I’m sad you don’t feel that accomplished about your thru hike. I hope you find someone to talk to who can help you with these feelings. I’m hoping you find something/somewhere that makes you feel connected and that you belong! ❤
Nice to see you again my fellow human. Yes the hair is a good look... I think R.E.I. has taken on the corporate persona, not about hiking experience, just sales and profits. I was a member 40+ years ago and they were awesome then. ✌️l have told you before but l am grateful to you for the shout outs to the native people's that lived in those areas. Oh wow, the job sounds potentially great, l would love that if l was your age. You are special, you care✌️🤗💗
Nice to see you again! Love the hair!!! I’m sorry things didn’t work out like you’d envisioned and about the depression. You’re not the only person this year I’ve heard experiencing depression post hike. I pray things get better on all fronts for you, Justin!❤
Taking it day by day and doing my best to work through it. Thank you 🙏🏾
Justin my heart goes out to you , Post Tru hike depression is real and I do admire your accomplishment and your honesty. Hope this video confession has helped and please take care of your mental health
Thank you for sharing. Best of luck on the new job and future endeavors in wilderness therapy. It sounds very fulfilling for where you are now.
You are the most honest person ! I so much admire that you pushed yourself to finish! You are a strongperson to be ableto do that. Maybe think about where that strength came from?
Glad to hear from you again, and yes love your hair
You are young, you think too much, you are healty, there is only one trailhead justin. Dalai Lama said to me years ago: if you only look at the end of your nose you will see a little, but if you look towards the horizon you will see the whole world. I just came back from Ukraine, everything was blown up there. But people, especially children, continued to believe in a better tomorrow.
Thank you for sharing! It has been such an adjustment not being able to know through your video blog what you have been up to these days!! Lol lol lol
I'm still listening to this video, but these are thoughts I have... just listening and observing and, of course, my own experiences in life bias me.
One, the feeling of being lost is a terrible feeling - feeling purposelessness is well, hard. And, seeing how other people get a deeper meaning in life and develop deep relationships and then you find your experience walking away from it with NOT getting that is a super "empty" feeling. Life can be really lonely in your own head.
Just keep listening to your head. And I think what you are thinking of doing sounds really good and fulfilling - that seems to be what you are searching for - MEANING. I get it. I struggle a lot with that too. and I'm a LOT older than you.
And being a wilderness guide would be wonderful - and I hope you can find meaning in that route.
🙏🏾
It was good to see another video from you pop up Justin and btw love the hair. Attitude is the 'little' thing that makes a big difference. You inspire Justin more than you realise. I listen to just how much you think in depth, your mind is getting its shit together and slowly you will work it all out. Someone below said it, you have a knack of drawing people to you, I think its the straight talker, no mincing words, say it as it is kind of person.
Yes it would feel weird coming home, no doubt about it, you are literally gone from the world as you know it and into another life for 8 months or whatever, come home, no things won't be the same, family dynamics as you said, everyday life, friends.... life moves on, life continues, little things change.
Don't be disappointed in yourself, you did not fail. You only fail when you quit trying. Its the courage to continue that counts.
All dreams are within reach. All you have to do is keep moving towards them. Sounds like you have a good start to your future endeavours right in this video.
Stay safe :)
I appreciate your message. Thank you 🙏🏾
So, how is life doing as you get near to Christmas? New job doing good? Thinking about you and hoping all is better
Thank you for sharing. I was wondering how you were adjusting to being back.
Brother, How are you! I’m literally watching this video right now on my Apple TV while writing you on my phone. I assume you remember me a little. I gave you the bands for your ankle at Unicoy Gap in Helen, GA. Anyway, I’m headed out to the Appalachian trail for my Thru hike starting February. You seem like you need a little encouragement. What can I do for you brother? Stay in touch. I’d love to hear from you!
Hi friend! the hair looks great!
Hi Justin, I'm glad to see you again on youtube. Thank you for being so honest with us about your A.T. experience. It sounds like it was very painful both for how disconnected you felt from other people out there and for not meeting your expectations especially since so many people emphasize the social aspect of through hiking as one of the best parts of it. I know you said that you were disconnected beyond being black and queer, but at the same time how much do you think that really did contribute to the disconnection you felt out there? And if you think there was more beyond that what was it? Also you described your through hike as a failure. When I think of failure I think of something the person did to not succeed. Do you think there's anything you did to make your through hike a failure or do you think it was rather that the A.T. is not as comfortable a place for somebody who's black and queer as for others? You look really good and I'm glad that you're excited about your future career prospects.
I didn’t feel as though my loneliness was 100% associated with differences in race or identity. Rather, I felt in large part that my overall approach to thru-hiking was different than many others I met. It felt to me that there was a lack of camaraderie amongst hikers, due to everyone’s desire to stick to their own agendas. Many folks whom I came across wanted to be left alone, or weren’t super inviting once they found their small tramily or hiking buddy. I, on the other hand, wanted to include as many hikers in my experience as possible, but a lot of the time I just felt left out of the social scene.
@@TrailheadJustin so do you think that more through hikers took an individualistic instead of a collectivistic approach or that the culture of through hiking is too individualistic? Or emphasizing people's agendas over relationships?
I think individual agendas were largely prioritized. I didn’t feel much camaraderie until the last few weeks when everyone recognized we were reaching the end.
Have you ever thought about working at a plant nursery? Working with plants, caring for them and educating the customers on their selections. It’s a physical job and a lot of time is spent outside. Best of luck on your continued journey.)
The nonprofit I mentioned which I’m now working for actually has a plant nursery, so I’ll get to see it pretty soon 🙂
Taking the social aspects of the trail away, did you at least enjoy your time in, and communing with, nature? I know as a hiker I would be happy with that aspect of the trail, and would have no desire, or expectation for the more social, “Tramily” experience of the hike. That’s not to say I wouldn’t make use of a shelter occasionally or hike with a small group here and there, just that I would be looking for, and focusing on, the natural experience more than the social.
I enjoyed it for a time, but after a while communing with nature got old, for me. I prefer a shared experience.
This sounds like a great opportunity - at the right time, can you share the non profit link - I believe myself ( and company ) would love to support it
Be proud of yourself. You walked over 2000 miles up and down mountains and the weather. Congratulations! I’m proud of you!🎉❤don’t forget about those mountains you conquered in New Hampshire, and Maine. you are my hero! 😊😊😊😊 you can do anything you put your mind to.
Here’s the link to the nonprofit. I just started there today:
www.howardecoworks.org/
Hey Justin, what are you doing these days? Hope you are well.
As soon as I got the end of Summer REI catalog, I thought of you. The “Outdoor Afro” marketing upset me, but the need to develop an environment where more minorities were encouraged, and felt safe engaging in outdoor pursuits, was not lost on me.
And, of course, I immediately thought of your prior post, and how you would be a perfect ambassador for minority youth in the outdoors.
I feel that the layer of “at risk” brings an added challenge that few are prepared to succeed in, especially without formal training. It also adds a barrier to being receptive to the outdoors and getting the most out of the experience. I wish you all the best when faced with the challenge of leading that group, and hope you stay safe and don’t succumb to frustration.
Overall though, I would encourage you to think about starting your own non-profit, and just working on introducing urban youth to the outdoors. There are huge challenges to overcome, even without the “at risk” personalities factored in, and there is certainly no lack of long-term benefits that the kids can gain. If bringing value and appreciation of the outdoors to new communities is your goal, and expanding access to the outdoors to minorities is your goal, you will have more success by not adding the “at risk” element to your mentees.
While some feel the peace of the outdoors can be some sort of magical experience that allows people to transcend their issues, the reality is that the outdoors can become a trigger, particularly for those who need an environment that they feel safe and comfortable in to thrive. Outdoor immersion can be particularly stressful for those who are already on edge and have zero experience in nature.
You are onto something, as I do have a goal of starting my own business in time. I am familiar with the nature of Wilderness Therapy, and I’ve also done some research on the criticisms of these programs. But I do believe there are positive aspects as well. And ultimately, I’m using this as a stepping stone to gain what I feel to be valuable experience to send me further down my own path.
I appreciate your input nonetheless.
Justin my family met you in Connecticut. You were a gift to myself and adult children. We will always give trail magic and think of you. I send people to your You Tube page!
Justin my family met you in Connecticut. You were a gift to myself and adult children. We will always give trail magic and think of you. I send people to your You Tube page!