Our Events
This is more than learning how to set up a tent, this is wilderness wellness.
Through guided self-discovery exercises, in-the-field education, mindful movement, environmental stewardship, and storytelling, we heal and transform our relationship to self so we can show up more powerfully for our communities.
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All Events
Hike + Heal Joshua Tree National Park (Weekend Retreat)
three days of magic amongst the joshua trees
Skip the chaos of Black Friday and join Sydney Williams of Hiking My Feelings for a long weekend of wellness in the wilderness of Joshua Tree National Park. Participants can engage in hiking, mindfulness activities, and community connections to deepen their self-awareness and resilience, integrating nature's healing power into their daily lives.
How can the natural world inspire us to better manage stress, emotions, and mindfulness? What transformations are possible when we purposefully engage with the desert, seeing the outer wilderness as a reflection of our inner landscape?
Join Sydney Williams, author and founder of Hiking My Feelings, for a weekend of wilderness wellness at Joshua Tree National Park. This experience combines hiking, mindfulness activities, self-reflection practices, and community connection to help participants uncover a deeper connection to themselves, others, and the world around them. Our proven framework for accessing nature's healing power will empower you to cultivate resilience, self-trust, and compassion. By integrating these skills from the park into your daily life, you can reduce stress, improve your mindset, and feel connected to a more meaningful existence.
Hike + Heal Joshua Tree National Park (Single Day)
Join author and founder of Hiking My Feelings, Sydney Williams, for an inspiring talk and educational hike on the Panorama Loop in Joshua Tree National Park.
Does the key to transforming your life lie in the rhythm of your footsteps? Join author and founder of Hiking My Feelings, Sydney Williams, as she reveals the self-reflection framework that helped her recover from career burnout, reverse diabetes, and kick her self-limiting beliefs to the curb. Through hiking and backpacking, Sydney learned to disconnect from distractions and reconnect with herself, turning her pain into power. We'll be hosting this walking workshop on the Panorama Loop trail (6.3 mi, 1,194 feet of elevation gain), traveling at a meandering pace, and taking plenty of breaks for mindfulness activities, plant identification, and photos! We will host no more than 15 participants for this activity.
Required items participants need to bring for your course: water, snacks, daypack, sunscreen, hiking shoes, comfortable clothing.
Hike + Heal Grand Staircase Escalante
Hike + Heal Grand Staircase Escalante is a Wilderness Wellness retreat in collaboration with Grand Staircase Escalante Partners - the official non-profit partner of Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument.
This retreat offers a perfect blend of adventure, self-reflection, environmental stewardship, and relaxation, all while immersing yourself in the awe-inspiring landscapes.
Hike + Heal Glacier National Park
Hike + Heal Glacier National Park is a Wilderness Wellness retreat facilitated by Hiking My Feelings, in collaboration with Glacier Institute - the official educational partner of Glacier National Park.
NOTE: This retreat is part of our Blaze Your Own Trail to Self-Love program. Folks interested in this retreat must be able to commit to the program leading up to and following the retreat to be able to participate.
Hike + Heal Sequoia National Park
three days of magic amongst the sequoia trees
Hike + Heal Sequoia National Park is a Wilderness Wellness retreat facilitated by Hiking My Feelings in partnership with the Field Institute at Sequoia National Park, Sequoia Parks Conservancy, and Volunteers In Parks (VIP) Program. Inspired by Sydney’s life-changing journey in the outdoors, this event series infuses healing and intention into every activity we do. This isn’t a healing retreat in that we tell you how to heal - we create a space where healing is possible. We offer resources that can transform any experience into a learning opportunity and set the stage for good energy & supportive vibes.
This is a space where you can laugh, cry, relax, tap into your creativity, challenge yourself, and enjoy the rewards as a collective.
Our Sequoia National Park retreats merge our Inner Wilderness programming with the conservation project we will be completing during the event - exploring how we can heal in nature, and how to bring healing to the lands that help us heal. Watch the video above to get an idea of what we’re up to in the park for our events!
Hiking Your Feelings Book Signing
Join us Saturday, July 27 at Noon as we welcome Sydney Williams to the store to discuss and sign Hiking Your Feelings: Blazing a Trail to Self-Love.
This event is free to attend and will be held at Barnes & Noble in Visalia, California - the gateway to Sequoia National Park.
Turn your pain into power. Part inspirational memoir, part practical guide, Hiking Your Feelings offers a toolkit to unpack your “trauma pack” and step into the best version of yourself.
Join wellness advocate and wilderness guide Sydney Williams as she shares her healing journey from eating and drinking her feelings to hiking her feelings. When Sydney unexpectedly found herself diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, while grappling with grief and unresolved trauma built up over a decade, she set out on a quest to turn her pain into power. Two hikes across Catalina Island and eighty miles later, she learned to disconnect from distractions and reconnect with herself, all through the power of nature. Now, she’s encouraging others to get outside and blaze their own trail to self-love, turning buried traumas into healthy coping mechanisms. With affirmations, prompts, and reflection exercises throughout—all presented from Sydney’s supportive and self-effacing perspective—Hiking Your Feelings offers a toolkit to unpack your “trauma pack” and step into the best version of yourself.
INSPIRATIONAL & INSIGHTFUL: Follow Sydney as she reflects on her own journey from buried traumas and poor body image to acceptance, healthy coping mechanisms, and self-love.
RELATABLE & UNIVERSAL: Touches on themes and problems that many struggle with, including grief and loss, sexual assault, poor body image, career stress, and the stigma of diabetes, all presented from Sydney’s supportive and self-effacing perspective.
HEALING POWER OF NATURE: Discover how getting outside—even just for a walk around the block—can help you tune into your body better.
HIKE YOUR OWN HIKE: Learn to love yourself as you are now. Go from eating, drinking, working, or spending your feelings to hiking your feelings.
UNPACK YOUR TRAUMA PACK: Identify new activities and rituals that will allow you to choose love over fear and lift the invisible weight from your shoulders.
PROMPTS, ACTIVITIES & EXERCISES: Apply the lessons Sydney has learned to your own life, through thoughtful tasks at the end of each chapter.
Hike + Heal Sequoia National Park
three days of magic amongst the sequoia trees
Hike + Heal Sequoia National Park is a Wilderness Wellness retreat facilitated by Hiking My Feelings in partnership with the Field Institute at Sequoia National Park, Sequoia Parks Conservancy, and Volunteers In Parks (VIP) Program. Inspired by Sydney’s life-changing journey in the outdoors, this event series infuses healing and intention into every activity we do. This isn’t a healing retreat in that we tell you how to heal - we create a space where healing is possible. We offer resources that can transform any experience into a learning opportunity and set the stage for good energy & supportive vibes.
This is a space where you can laugh, cry, relax, tap into your creativity, challenge yourself, and enjoy the rewards as a collective.
Our Sequoia National Park retreats merge our Inner Wilderness programming with the conservation project we will be completing during the event - exploring how we can heal in nature, and how to bring healing to the lands that help us heal. Watch the video above to get an idea of what we’re up to in the park for our events!
Hike + Heal Sequoia National Park
three days of magic amongst the sequoia trees
Hike + Heal Sequoia National Park is a Wilderness Wellness retreat facilitated by Hiking My Feelings in partnership with the Field Institute at Sequoia National Park, Sequoia Parks Conservancy, and Volunteers In Parks (VIP) Program. Inspired by Sydney’s life-changing journey in the outdoors, this event series infuses healing and intention into every activity we do. This isn’t a healing retreat in that we tell you how to heal - we create a space where healing is possible. We offer resources that can transform any experience into a learning opportunity and set the stage for good energy & supportive vibes.
This is a space where you can laugh, cry, relax, tap into your creativity, challenge yourself, and enjoy the rewards as a collective.
Our Sequoia National Park retreats merge our Inner Wilderness programming with the conservation project we will be completing during the event - exploring how we can heal in nature, and how to bring healing to the lands that help us heal. Watch the video above to get an idea of what we’re up to in the park for our events!
Hiking Your Feelings Tour: Fireside Book Discussion
ABOUT THE TOUR
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and here at Hiking My Feelings, we're all about celebrating this important time. We believe that taking care of your mental health is just as crucial as caring for your body. Nature has this amazing way of helping us heal and discover new things about ourselves. By talking openly about mental health, we can break down the stigma and show everyone that it's okay to not be okay sometimes. Our programs are all about creating a safe, supportive community where you can be yourself and learn to take care of your mind as well as your body. So let's use this month to spread awareness, support each other, and remember that it's okay to feel all the feels!
🚀 Tour Highlights:
Fireside Chat and Book Reading: Join Sydney Williams at AutoCamp Yosemite for an intimate fireside chat and book reading. Dive deep into the empowering concepts presented in "Hiking Your Feelings," as Sydney shares her journey and insights on self-love through the lens of outdoor exploration.
📅 Tour Dates: April-May 2024
🌎 Other Tour Events:
April 29: Hiking Your Feelings Fireside Chat at AutoCamp Joshua Tree
May 2-4: Hike + Heal Grand Staircase Escalante Retreat (SOLD OUT)
May 5: Mental Health Hike with the Canyonlands Field Institute
May 10: Hiking Your Feelings Fireside Chat at FieldStation Moab
May 17: Hiking Your Feelings Fireside Chat at AutoCamp Zion National Park
May 18: Hiking My Feelings x Zion Forever Project Walking Workshop
May 21-25: Creative Stewardship Project in Yosemite National Park - email us for more information
May 25: Hiking Your Feelings Fireside Chat at AutoCamp Yosemite National Park
Make a weekend out of it, stay at AutoCamp Yosemite and save 10%
Wilderness Wellness Workshop: Zion National Park
Hike + Heal Zion National Park is a Wilderness Wellness Workshop facilitated by Hiking My Feelings, in collaboration with Zion Forever Project - the official non-profit partner of Zion National Park.
This workshop offers a perfect blend of adventure, self-reflection, environmental stewardship, and relaxation, all while immersing yourself in the awe-inspiring landscapes of one of the most iconic National Parks.
On Saturday May 18th, join the Hiking My Feelings team and Zion Forever Project for a unique Stewardship + Self-Discovery Workshop. This collaborative event combines the expertise of both organizations to offer an enriching experience that blends outdoor exploration with personal introspection.
Participants will survey land for natural features and historical artifacts, guided by knowledgeable leaders from Zion Forever Project. From petrified wood to evidence of the indigenous cultures who have stewarded these lands for thousands of years, the discoveries in the field will serve as a bridge to understanding our inner wilderness and our connection to each other.
This workshop is perfect for those looking to deepen their connection to nature while exploring the rich history of the land and serves as an opportunity to put some of the practices shared in the book to work in a community setting. Join us on May 18th for a day of discovery, stewardship, and self-reflection.
ITINERARY
7:30-8:00am: Arrive at AutoCamp Zion
8:00am: Depart AutoCamp Zion for Dalton Wash
8:30-9:00am: Project Briefing with Zion Forever Project
9:00am-12:00pm: Walking Workshop with Hiking My Feelings
🌎 Other Hiking Your Feelings Tour Events:
April 29: Hiking Your Feelings Fireside Chat at AutoCamp Joshua Tree
May 2-4: Hike + Heal Grand Staircase Escalante Retreat (SOLD OUT)
May 5: Mental Health Hike with the Canyonlands Field Institute
May 10: Hiking Your Feelings Fireside Chat at FieldStation Moab
May 17: Hiking Your Feelings Fireside Chat at AutoCamp Zion National Park
May 18: Hiking My Feelings x Zion Forever Project Walking Workshop
May 21-25: Creative Stewardship Project in Yosemite National Park - email us for more information
May 25: Hiking Your Feelings Fireside Chat at AutoCamp Yosemite National Park
Hiking Your Feelings Tour: Fireside Book Discussion
ABOUT THE TOUR
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and here at Hiking My Feelings, we're all about celebrating this important time. We believe that taking care of your mental health is just as crucial as caring for your body. Nature has this amazing way of helping us heal and discover new things about ourselves. By talking openly about mental health, we can break down the stigma and show everyone that it's okay to not be okay sometimes. Our programs are all about creating a safe, supportive community where you can be yourself and learn to take care of your mind as well as your body. So let's use this month to spread awareness, support each other, and remember that it's okay to feel all the feels!
🚀 Tour Highlights:
Fireside Chat and Book Reading: Join Sydney Williams at AutoCamp Zion for an intimate fireside chat and book reading. Dive deep into the empowering concepts presented in "Hiking Your Feelings," as Sydney shares her journey and insights on self-love through the lens of outdoor exploration.
Wilderness Wellness Workshop with Zion Forever Project: Don’t just take our word for it, immerse yourself in the healing power of nature with a Saturday morning workshop. Put the transformative concepts from the book into practice as you explore the beautiful landscapes surrounding Zion National Park.
📅 Tour Dates: April-May 2024
🌎 Other Tour Events:
April 29: Hiking Your Feelings Fireside Chat at AutoCamp Joshua Tree
May 2-4: Hike + Heal Grand Staircase Escalante Retreat (SOLD OUT)
May 5: Mental Health Hike with the Canyonlands Field Institute
May 10: Hiking Your Feelings Fireside Chat at FieldStation Moab
May 17: Hiking Your Feelings Fireside Chat at AutoCamp Zion National Park
May 18: Hiking My Feelings x Zion Forever Project Walking Workshop
May 21-25: Creative Stewardship Project in Yosemite National Park - email us for more information
May 25: Hiking Your Feelings Fireside Chat at AutoCamp Yosemite National Park
Fireside Chats are FREE! RSVP here:
You will have the option to add a Hiking Your Feelings Tour Starter Kit at checkout - includes a signed copy of the book, Mindful Miles pocket-sized trail journal, and a sticker!
Make a weekend out of it, stay at AutoCamp Zion and save 10%
Join us on Saturday for a Wilderness Wellness Workshop
Hiking Your Feelings Tour: Moab Group Hike
🚀 Tour Highlights:
Fireside Chat and Book Reading: Join Sydney Williams at each tour stop for an intimate fireside chat and book reading at Field Station in Moab on Friday night (May 10). Dive deep into the empowering concepts presented in "Hiking Your Feelings," as Sydney shares her journey and insights on self-love through the lens of outdoor exploration.
Local Hike: Don’t just take our word for it, immerse yourself in the healing power of nature with a local hike on Saturday morning. Put the transformative concepts from the book into practice as you explore the beautiful landscapes surrounding each tour location.
📅 Tour Dates: April-May 2024
🌎 Other Tour Events:
April 29: Hiking Your Feelings Fireside Chat at AutoCamp Joshua Tree
May 2-4: Hike + Heal Grand Staircase Escalante Retreat (SOLD OUT)
May 5: Mental Health Hike with the Canyonlands Field Institute
May 10: Hiking Your Feelings Fireside Chat at FieldStation Moab
May 17: Hiking Your Feelings Fireside Chat at AutoCamp Zion National Park
May 18: Hiking My Feelings x Zion Forever Project Walking Workshop
May 21-25: Creative Stewardship Project in Yosemite National Park - email us for more information
May 25: Hiking Your Feelings Fireside Chat at AutoCamp Yosemite National Park
Group Hikes are FREE! RSVP here:
You will have the option to add a Hiking Your Feelings Tour Starter Kit at checkout - includes a signed copy of the book, Mindful Miles pocket-sized trail journal, and a sticker!
Make a weekend out of it, stay at Field Station Moab and save 10%
Hiking Your Feelings Tour: Fireside Book Discussion
ABOUT THE TOUR
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and here at Hiking My Feelings, we're all about celebrating this important time. We believe that taking care of your mental health is just as crucial as caring for your body. Nature has this amazing way of helping us heal and discover new things about ourselves. By talking openly about mental health, we can break down the stigma and show everyone that it's okay to not be okay sometimes. Our programs are all about creating a safe, supportive community where you can be yourself and learn to take care of your mind as well as your body. So let's use this month to spread awareness, support each other, and remember that it's okay to feel all the feels!
🚀 Tour Highlights:
Fireside Chat and Book Reading: Join Sydney Williams - author, speaker, and founder of Hiking My Feelings - at Field Station Moab for an intimate fireside chat and book reading. Dive deep into the empowering concepts presented in "Hiking Your Feelings," as Sydney shares her journey and insights on self-love through the lens of outdoor exploration.
📅 Tour Dates: April-May 2024
🌎 Other Tour Events:
April 29: Hiking Your Feelings Fireside Chat at AutoCamp Joshua Tree
May 2-4: Hike + Heal Grand Staircase Escalante Retreat (SOLD OUT)
May 5: Mental Health Hike with the Canyonlands Field Institute
May 10: Hiking Your Feelings Fireside Chat at FieldStation Moab
May 17: Hiking Your Feelings Fireside Chat at AutoCamp Zion National Park
May 18: Hiking My Feelings x Zion Forever Project Walking Workshop
May 21-25: Creative Stewardship Project in Yosemite National Park - email us for more information
May 25: Hiking Your Feelings Fireside Chat at AutoCamp Yosemite National Park
Fireside Chats are FREE! RSVP here:
You will have the option to add a Hiking Your Feelings Tour Starter Kit at checkout - includes a signed copy of the book, Mindful Miles pocket-sized trail journal, and a sticker!
Make a weekend out of it, stay at Field Station Moab and save 10%
Join us for a hike on Saturday morning!
Hike Like a Woman Summit
SESSION: Hiking Your Feelings
SPEAKER: Sydney Williams
What happens when you finally believe in yourself and go after your dreams? What happens after your biggest dream comes true? What happens when it's nothing like what you dreamed about? And what the heck does hiking and feelings have to do with any of it?
Join Sydney Williams - speaker, author, and founder of Hiking My Feelings - as she uses her self-reflection framework in real time to navigate a difficult lesson, and how her new book, Hiking Your Feelings: Blazing a Trail to Self-Love can help you do the same.
Mental Health Hike with Canyonlands Field Institute in Moab, Utah
Upcoming Hike – May 5th: Cultivating Gratitude
Join CFI, and guest expert Sydney Williams, on Sunday, May 5th to learn about the mental health benefits of gratitude and to practice incorporating it into daily lives! This program involves a short hike, partner and group exercises, and reflection, and features Sydney’s mental health expertise. This hike is free and includes transportation and lunch.
Sidney Williams is a speaker, author, and the founder of Hiking My Feelings, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the healing power of nature. Her work has been featured in Huff Post, Psychology Today, and the U.S. News & World Report. She is a certified Wilderness First Responder, an instructor at the Desert Institute at Joshua Tree National Park, an instructor at the Field Institute at Sequoia National Park, and a founding member of the Outdoorist Oath.
Advanced registration is required for these free programs, and hikes fill quickly.
Catch the Hiking Your Feelings Tour in Moab May 10-11!
🚀 Tour Highlights:
Fireside Chat and Book Reading: Join Sydney Williams at each tour stop for an intimate fireside chat and book reading at Field Station in Moab on Friday night (May 10). Dive deep into the empowering concepts presented in "Hiking Your Feelings," as Sydney shares her journey and insights on self-love through the lens of outdoor exploration.
Local Hike: Don’t just take our word for it, immerse yourself in the healing power of nature with a local hike on Saturday morning. Put the transformative concepts from the book into practice as you explore the beautiful landscapes surrounding each tour location.
📅 Tour Dates: April-May 2024
🌎 Other Tour Events:
April 29: Hiking Your Feelings Fireside Chat at AutoCamp Joshua Tree
May 2-4: Hike + Heal Grand Staircase Escalante Retreat (SOLD OUT)
May 5: Mental Health Hike with the Canyonlands Field Institute
May 10: Hiking Your Feelings Fireside Chat at FieldStation Moab
May 17: Hiking Your Feelings Fireside Chat at AutoCamp Zion National Park
May 18: Hiking My Feelings x Zion Forever Project Walking Workshop
May 21-25: Creative Stewardship Project in Yosemite National Park - email us for more information
May 25: Hiking Your Feelings Fireside Chat at AutoCamp Yosemite National Park
Hike + Heal Grand Staircase Escalante
Hike + Heal Grand Staircase Escalante is a Wilderness Wellness retreat facilitated by Hiking My Feelings, in collaboration with Grand Staircase Escalante Partners - the official non-profit partner of Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument.
This retreat offers a perfect blend of adventure, self-reflection, environmental stewardship, and relaxation, all while immersing yourself in the awe-inspiring landscapes.
Hiking Your Feelings Tour: Fireside Book Discussion
ABOUT THE TOUR
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and here at Hiking My Feelings, we're all about celebrating this important time. We believe that taking care of your mental health is just as crucial as caring for your body. Nature has this amazing way of helping us heal and discover new things about ourselves. By talking openly about mental health, we can break down the stigma and show everyone that it's okay to not be okay sometimes. Our programs are all about creating a safe, supportive community where you can be yourself and learn to take care of your mind as well as your body. So let's use this month to spread awareness, support each other, and remember that it's okay to feel all the feels!
🚀 Tour Highlights:
Fireside Chat and Book Reading: Join Sydney Williams - author, speaker, and founder of Hiking My Feelings - at AutoCamp Joshua Tree for an intimate fireside chat and book reading. Dive deep into the empowering concepts presented in "Hiking Your Feelings," as Sydney shares her journey and insights on self-love through the lens of outdoor exploration.
📅 Tour Dates: April-May 2024
🌎 Other Tour Events:
April 29: Hiking Your Feelings Fireside Chat at AutoCamp Joshua Tree
May 2-4: Hike + Heal Grand Staircase Escalante Retreat (SOLD OUT)
May 5: Mental Health Hike with the Canyonlands Field Institute
May 10: Hiking Your Feelings Fireside Chat at FieldStation Moab
May 17: Hiking Your Feelings Fireside Chat at AutoCamp Zion National Park
May 18: Hiking My Feelings x Zion Forever Project Walking Workshop
May 21-25: Creative Stewardship Project in Yosemite National Park - email us for more information
May 25: Hiking Your Feelings Fireside Chat at AutoCamp Yosemite National Park
Fireside Chats are FREE! RSVP here:
You will have the option to add a Hiking Your Feelings Tour Starter Kit at checkout - includes a signed copy of the book, Mindful Miles pocket-sized trail journal, and a sticker!
Treat yourself, stay at AutoCamp Joshua Tree and save 10%
Join the Trail Team!
We want to meet as many people as we can at these events and we need your help to spread the word. Download the images below and share them with your friends and family.
San Diego Book Signing + Hike at Mission Trails Regional Park
Turn your pain into power. Part inspirational memoir, part practical guide, Hiking Your Feelings offers a toolkit to unpack your “trauma pack” and step into the best version of yourself.
Join wellness advocate and wilderness guide Sydney Williams for a book signing and discussion of her new book, Hiking Your Feeling: Blazing a Trail to Self-Love, as well as a guided walk through the park. The book will be available for purchase at the MTRP gift shop.
The hiking portion will be optional and will be along the Father Junipero Serra Trail, a flat and accessible trail for all abilities.
About the Author:
Sydney Williams is the founder of Hiking My Feelings, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the healing power of nature. She is an author and a certified Wilderness First Responder, an instructor at the Desert Institute at Joshua Tree National Park, an instructor at the Field Institute at Sequoia National Park, and a founding member of the Outdoorist Oath. Through it all, she centers empathetic storytelling and allows her curiosity and enthusiasm to lead the way.
This event is organized by Mission Trails Regional Park (MTRP) Foundation, the nonprofit that supports the park. Your ticket helps the MTRP Foundation preserve and protect the park we love.
Blaze Your Own Trail to Self-Love Open House
Curious about Blaze Your Own Trail to Self-Love? Join our open house to learn about the program, meet members of the community, and start your week inspired and refreshed!
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
🧭 Guided Self-Discovery
Every workshop features an interactive activity rooted in self-reflection, bonus mindfulness practices and resources (guided meditations, interviews with experts, book recommendations), journal prompts, as well as space to reflect on your hikes.
🧭 Hiking as a Mindfulness Practice
In each workshop, we give you a Mindful Miles Prompt - something to meditate on while you’re hiking solo, or to talk about in your group if you’re hiking with other members in the program. We encourage participants to go for a hike once per week to reflect on the lessons learned in the program. You pick your hikes/walks based on what you’re comfortable with, there is no mileage or difficulty requirement.
🧭 Community Connection
We’re all coming to the table with our own lived experiences and filters through which we see life, but one thing is for certain - we are more alike than we are different. By learning how to hold space for your fellow program participants, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to practice active listening.
When we slow down enough to hear what people are saying and give space for processing the information and understanding the messenger, we can oftentimes find some of our stories in the stories of others. This deepens our connection to self - affirming that we are not alone in our experiences - as well as our connection to each other.
ABOUT BLAZE YOUR OWN TRAIL TO SELF-LOVE
Welcome to Blaze Your Own Trail to Self-Love! This is where we lace up our hiking boots and venture deep into the wilderness of self-discovery, embracing an empowering mindset and the practices that will set your heart ablaze. Join Sydney and Barry Williams, your guides and fellow adventurers, as we navigate the rugged terrain of limiting beliefs, scale the mountains of self-compassion, and uncover the hidden treasures of self-acceptance. Together, we will forge a new path, igniting a fierce love for ourselves that will radiate through every aspect of our lives.
There's no right or wrong way to embark on this journey, the most important thing is to take the first step.
When you're on a hike, you don't magically appear at the summit, you get there one step at a time. Sometimes it's the hardest walk of your life. Sometimes you're skipping through a field of wildflowers. Either way, it can be transformational, but only if you allow yourself to have and reflect on the experience.
HEALING IS THE SAME WAY.
You don't arrive at the top of Healing Mountain, saved, rescued, recovered. On this Trail of Life, there will always be ups and downs, that much is certain.
Healing is a lifelong practice. There is no deadline to meet. This can't be done overnight. Really, all you can do is equip yourself with some tools to help you along the way.
And that should feel like a giant exhale.
Hiking Your Feelings Virtual Launch Party
Can't make it to our San Diego launch event? Join us for a Virtual Book Launch on March 19th!
Sydney will be reading from the book, sharing some bonus resources, and giving away prizes for participants! To join us, click the button below.
San Diego Launch Party: Hiking Your Feelings at Diesel Bookstore in Del Mar
Join us Tuesday March 12th at 6:00 pm as we welcome Sydney Williams to the store to discuss and sign Hiking Your Feelings: Blazing a Trail to Self-Love.
This event is free to attend and will be held at DIESEL, A Bookstore in Del Mar.
Free seating is limited. To reserve a seat, please purchase one copy of a book for one seat.
Sydney Williams Event Reservation
Turn your pain into power. Part inspirational memoir, part practical guide, Hiking Your Feelings offers a toolkit to unpack your “trauma pack” and step into the best version of yourself.
Join wellness and wilderness enthusiast Sydney Williams as she shares her healing journey from eating and drinking her feelings to hiking her feelings. When Sydney unexpectedly found herself diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, while grappling with grief and unresolved trauma built up over a decade, she set out on a quest to turn her pain into power. Two hikes across Catalina Island and eighty miles later, she learned to disconnect from distractions and reconnect with herself, all through the power of nature. Now, she’s encouraging others to get outside and blaze their own trail to self-love, turning buried traumas into healthy coping mechanisms. With affirmations, prompts, and reflection exercises throughout—all presented from Sydney’s supportive and self-effacing perspective—Hiking Your Feelings offers a toolkit to unpack your “trauma pack” and step into the best version of yourself.
INSPIRATIONAL & INSIGHTFUL: Follow Sydney as she reflects on her own journey from buried traumas and poor body image to acceptance, healthy coping mechanisms, and self-love.
RELATABLE & UNIVERSAL: Touches on themes and problems that many struggle with, including grief and loss, sexual assault, poor body image, career stress, and the stigma of diabetes, all presented from Sydney’s supportive and self-effacing perspective.
HEALING POWER OF NATURE: Discover how getting outside—even just for a walk around the block—can help you tune into your body better.
HIKE YOUR OWN HIKE: Learn to love yourself as you are now. Go from eating, drinking, working, or spending your feelings to hiking your feelings.
UNPACK YOUR TRAUMA PACK: Identify new activities and rituals that will allow you to choose love over fear and lift the invisible weight from your shoulders.
PROMPTS, ACTIVITIES & EXERCISES: Apply the lessons Sydney has learned to your own life, through thoughtful tasks at the end of each chapter.
Sydney has been featured in Huff Post, Psychology Today, U.S. News & World Report, and on the SXSW stage. She is also a certified Wilderness First Responder, an instructor at the Desert Institute at Joshua Tree National Park, an instructor at the Field Institute at Sequoia National Park, and a founding member of the Outdoorist Oath. Sydney has been nominated for Woman of the Year by San Diego Magazine.
Hiking Your Feelings Publication Day!
Today’s the day! Hiking Your Feelings: Blazing a Trail to Self-Love is here!
SXSW Group Hike + Austin Trail Cleanup with Gossamer Gear and The Trail Conservancy
SXSW weekend means getting outside, y’all. Gossamer Gear, Hiking My Feelings, and The Trail Conservancy have all teamed up to host a wonderful Sunday morning at Festival Beach. You’ll be able to meet fellow trail enthusiasts, pick up trash, and enjoy Texas spring all before making it to your next SX event. If you’ve been meaning to get outside in ATX, then you won’t want to miss this.
During the event, you’ll have the opportunity to chat with Sydney Williams, founder of Hiking My Feelings. This organization is on a mission to improve community health by creating opportunities for people to experience the healing power of nature. Sydney will be speaking at SXSW about her newest book, Hiking Your Feelings, on March 9th, and she hopes to do even more for the ATX community by leaving it better than she found it. To learn more about her events, you can visit her SXSW event page here: https://schedule.sxsw.com/2024/events/PP134183
Once you’ve picked up all of your trash, you might win some prizes from Gossamer Gear.
Gossamer Gear is located in Austin, Texas, and focuses on creating functional, lightweight hiking and backpacking gear. If you come back with the most trash or the weirdest piece of trash, you could be the recipient of a new daypack. With smaller raffle prizes to offer, you’ll want to stick around until the very end.
Participants will meet on the Bulter Trail at Festival Beach (Google Pin Location). Parking will be available at the Estacionamiento Edward Rendon Parking lot and street parking along Chicon Street. Please come prepared in comfortable clothing to hike and pick up trash. TTC will provide trash grabbers, gloves, and bags. You will only need to bring a filled water bottle and yourself.
Hiking Your Feelings Book Signing at SXSW
Get your book signed at the SXSW Bookstore!
Join wellness & wilderness enthusiast Sydney Williams as she shares her healing journey from eating and drinking her feelings to hiking her feelings. When Sydney unexpectedly found herself diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, while grappling with grief and unresolved trauma built up over a decade, she set out on a quest to turn her pain into power. Through hiking and backpacking, she learned to disconnect from distractions and reconnect with herself. Now, she’s encouraging others to get outside and blaze their own trail to self-love, turning buried traumas into healthy coping mechanisms.
Hiking Your Feelings Launch at SXSW
We’re launching Hiking Your Feelings at SXSW!
Join wellness & wilderness enthusiast Sydney Williams as she shares her healing journey from eating and drinking her feelings to hiking her feelings. When Sydney unexpectedly found herself diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, while grappling with grief and unresolved trauma built up over a decade, she set out on a quest to turn her pain into power. Through hiking and backpacking, she learned to disconnect from distractions and reconnect with herself. Now, she’s encouraging others to get outside and blaze their own trail to self-love, turning buried traumas into healthy coping mechanisms.
SPEAKER: Public Lands Alliance Conference
Guardians of the Public Lands: Effective Strategies for Next-Gen Stewardship & Personal Well-Being
Co-Presented by: Sydney Williams, Founder/CEO of Hiking My Feelings and Daniel Huecker, Field Institute Director at Sequoia Parks Conservancy
Inspired results require innovative approaches. So, what will it take to engage the next generation in stewardship of and advocacy for our public lands? Join us as we explore how the integration of stewardship and self-care has yielded tangible benefits. We’ll discuss how stewardship and self-care events reinvigorate parks; engage a new generation of stewards, donors, and advocates; and generate volunteer hours necessary to support increasing conservation efforts.
Intentional Hiking Speaker Series: Find Your Wellness in the Wilderness
About Intentional Hiking:
An online discussion series focused on our relationship with the environment, our trails, and each other. Together we will convene the hiking community, empower action on social and environmental causes, & encourage hikers to be more intentional and thoughtful while hiking.
Topic: Hiking My Feelings - Find Your Wellness in the Wilderness
Hiking My Feelings is on a mission to improve community health by creating opportunities for people to experience the healing power of nature. Founder Sydney Williams is launching her second book on March 12! Come hear all about turning your pain into power and the exciting year of events scheduled around the country.
In addition:
Have a chance to win a copy of the new book (with a trail journal & stickers)
Have a conversation with other intentional hikers about the topic *read more about the conversation code below.
For this event 2/3 of the donations will be given to Hiking my Feelings. *Donations will appear as a second "ticket" in your order **Donations are not tax deductible unless made directly to a registered non-profit organization.
About the Speaker:
Sydney Williams is the founder of Hiking My Feelings, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the healing power of nature. Her 15-year (and counting) career in communications has run the gamut from launching Oscar Mayer's social media channels and working with Fortune 500 brands to educating the public about the importance of stewardship and equitable access to recreational opportunities. Through it all, she centers empathetic storytelling and allows her curiosity and enthusiasm to lead the way.
Sydney has been featured in Huff Post, Psychology Today, U.S. News & World Report, and on the SXSW stage. She is also a certified Wilderness First Responder, an instructor at the Desert Institute at Joshua Tree National Park, an instructor at the Field Institute at Sequoia National Park, and a founding member of the Outdoorist Oath. Sydney has been nominated for Woman of the Year by San Diego Magazine.
FAQ
Only register if you can attend this event live
A recording of each event (excluding the conversation portion) will be uploaded to the Intentional Hiking YouTube channel.
Each recording will be accompanied by a Conversation Kit which will help you have a discussion on the event's theme with friends and family.
Conversation code
Please engage in these conversations with curiosity, an open mind, and respect.
Lead with kindness and compassion.
Listen to understand; not reply.
No judgement, no advice (unless specifically asked for)
Non-profit Partners
Each guest can choose a non-profit partner of choice to feature during the event.
Attendees can raise money for the non-profit during the registration process by giving a donation.
Donations will be split evenly between the guest, non-profit partner, and host.
Gear Giveaways
Events will feature gear or product giveaways from new or cottage hiking brands.
Need to be present to win.
Event Duration
Each event will last between 60-90 minutes
Event Link
The zoom event link will be sent after registration.
If you do not receive your link at least one hour before the start, please email renee@longdistancetrailconsulting.com
What Else Can Go Right?! - Self-Reflection Workshop with Hiking My Feelings
Embracing this perspective empowers you to navigate challenges with resilience, find silver linings in every situation, and create a ripple effect of positivity that not only impacts your own life but also inspires and uplifts those around you.
Group Hike at Mount Rubidoux with Lifestyle Medical
“Hiking Your Feelings helps the traveler turn reflective miles into heartfelt smiles. Hiking includes both ups and downs, but when it’s done as described in this book, you can be confident in both your journey and your destination.”
–Wayne S. Dysinger, M.D., M.P.H., former president of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine
Meet at Ryan Bonaminio Park | 5000 Teqiuesquite Ave. Riverside | West side of park near playground and covered picnic area
Sign the waiver: https://hikingmyfeelings.org/waiver
Water and trail mix provided
Wear shoes for hiking and bring sunscreen, outerwear, and extra water and snacks as necessary.
This paved trail is considered to be an easy-to-moderate hike. This hike will be led by Sydney Williams from Hiking My Feelings and will take approximately 1.5-2 hours to complete.
Watch your email for weather updates!
Questions? Email Kelsie.White@lifestylemedical.com
About Hiking My Feelings: Sydney Williams is the author of Hiking Your Feelings: Blazing a Trail to Self-Love (Mandala Publishing, 2024) and founder of Hiking My Feelings, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the healing power of nature. Her fifteen-year (and counting) career in communications has run the gamut from launching Oscar Mayer's social media channels and working with Fortune 500 brands to educating the public about the importance of stewardship and equitable access to recreational opportunities. Through it all, she centers empathetic storytelling and allows her curiosity and enthusiasm to lead the way.
Sydney has been featured in Huff Post, Psychology Today, U.S. News & World Report, and on the SXSW stage. She is also a certified Wilderness First Responder, an instructor at the Desert Institute at Joshua Tree National Park, an instructor at the Field Institute at Sequoia National Park, and a founding member of the Outdoorist Oath. Sydney has been nominated for Woman of the Year by San Diego Magazine.
Your Best Possible Self: Visualization Workshop with Hiking My Feelings
With this powerful visualization practice, you can unlock your full potential, turn your dreams into reality, and experience a life filled with purpose, fulfillment, and an unshakable sense of joy.
“Live Your Dash”: Vision Board Workshop with Hiking My Feelings
Hello, 2024! Our “Live Your Dash” Vision Boards serve as a daily reminder to infuse every moment with intention, purpose, and a deep appreciation for the extraordinary adventures on your Trail of Life.
Reflect + Integrate: Self-Reflection Workshop with Hiking My Feelings
We’re on Zoom but it’s giving serene water vibes, so allow the gentle current to wash away what no longer serves you and absorb the wisdom gained. Join us for our final workshop of 2023 to nourish your soul, navigate future challenges with grace, and usher in 2024 with newfound strength and resilience.
Hike + Heal Joshua Tree National Park (Camping + Hiking Retreat)
three days of magic amongst the joshua trees
Hike + Heal Joshua Tree National Park is a Wilderness Wellness retreat facilitated by Hiking My Feelings. Inspired by Sydney’s life-changing journey in the outdoors, this event series infuses healing and intention into every activity we do. This isn’t a healing retreat in that we tell you how to heal - we create a space where healing is possible. We offer resources that can transform any experience into a learning opportunity and set the stage for good energy & supportive vibes.
This is a space where you can laugh, cry, relax, tap into your creativity, challenge yourself, and enjoy the rewards as a collective.