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I AM!: A Self-healing and Self-discovery Journey through Fear and Friendships.
The story you are about to read is a year in my life as it unfolds. It is a story full of layers, colors, and depth. It is a story of a search for a brighter horizon. It is a raw and honest story of my emotions, struggles, and triumphs as I travel solo in my Mazda CX-5 that I converted to a micro camper. It is a story of beautiful friendships that, through their creations and openness, help me in my journey of self-healing and free me from the burden of emotional pain I no longer wish to carry on my shoulders.
You will join me in hiking mountains and experiencing breathtaking views, getting to know my past and witnessing my healing. You'll see my growth in understanding compassion and forgiveness, and observe as I evolve as a writer.
I hiked 700 miles, finding space and time for reflection and self-discovery. The hours on the road and the serenity of nature gifted me with clarity and peace.
I was only six days on the road when I woke up to a frigid morning. The struggle to get out of the somehow warm car and start my day was tough. Trying to get breakfast going with frozen fingers was painful. I realized this was not just a vacation, but a life-altering adventure, requiring significant adjustments to make the most of it. By the end of the first week, I started to notice what I was contributing to myself. A clear awareness and an open mind to accept things as they are.
Traveling 21,733 miles across the USA and Canada, I was living a dream, giving myself a chance to explore and grow.
This is not just my travel story; it is a narrative of self-discovery, embracing life's challenges and transforming them into steps toward a wholehearted life.
You will join me in hiking mountains and experiencing breathtaking views, getting to know my past and witnessing my healing. You'll see my growth in understanding compassion and forgiveness, and observe as I evolve as a writer.
I hiked 700 miles, finding space and time for reflection and self-discovery. The hours on the road and the serenity of nature gifted me with clarity and peace.
I was only six days on the road when I woke up to a frigid morning. The struggle to get out of the somehow warm car and start my day was tough. Trying to get breakfast going with frozen fingers was painful. I realized this was not just a vacation, but a life-altering adventure, requiring significant adjustments to make the most of it. By the end of the first week, I started to notice what I was contributing to myself. A clear awareness and an open mind to accept things as they are.
Traveling 21,733 miles across the USA and Canada, I was living a dream, giving myself a chance to explore and grow.
This is not just my travel story; it is a narrative of self-discovery, embracing life's challenges and transforming them into steps toward a wholehearted life.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 4, 2024
5 people are currently reading
3 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
April 6, 2024
I enjoyed and appreciated this book on several levels. Wanting to again travel, cross country, I’m marking the pages for places I want to visit. Thus, it leaves me with a dream. The author has explored these areas much more in depth than I have done, and she’s providing me with a future roadmap.
Because I’m not free to travel at the moment, it temporarily satisfies my desire to wander, while still in one place. I’d be remiss not to mention that the self discovery and vulnerability the author shares with readers provides encouragement for all those willing to examine their own path. I’ve appreciated the sparks it has provided me in my own ongoing journey. I guess it’s a reminder that as long as we’re breathing, we’re never done.
Because I’m not free to travel at the moment, it temporarily satisfies my desire to wander, while still in one place. I’d be remiss not to mention that the self discovery and vulnerability the author shares with readers provides encouragement for all those willing to examine their own path. I’ve appreciated the sparks it has provided me in my own ongoing journey. I guess it’s a reminder that as long as we’re breathing, we’re never done.
January 23, 2024
This book is a must for anyone yearning to travel and explore the USA/Canada. A perfect blend between humanistic/self-discovery and educational/informative. I Am! provides so much useful and highly specific and well-researched information about National Parks and trails, suggestions on solo travel and personal anecdotes and encounters.
Reading about building social connections and humanity's potential is an added bonus. Although I am typically a fast reader, I savor every page and intentionally slow down to fully experience Gila's journey.
Reading about building social connections and humanity's potential is an added bonus. Although I am typically a fast reader, I savor every page and intentionally slow down to fully experience Gila's journey.
January 22, 2024
Gila is an inspiration to us all! It takes immense bravery to set off on a journey such as the one that she has, and we are all blessed to be able to read the fruits of her travels. Her insight on the beauties of North America as well as the mindfulness benefits a trip like this can have are unparalleled. This is a great memoir!!
March 5, 2024
A REAL, beautiful journey of a spirit being human!
Finding peace by embracing the unknown path in life can seem daunting as human beings. We face unforeseen circumstances and find ourselves in situations where we unknowingly accept harm until we finally wake up to the truth, and want change; we want to heal.
Thanks to Gila, and other influential authors alike, I have found a common ground we all stand on - a powerful healer we are all part of: Mother Nature. Gila expresses the beauty Mother Nature ALWAYS provides, if one is willing to open their eyes and heart by embracing the unknown path - the journey of self-discovery. To take a chance by stepping forward, climbing (and descending) great heights when fear tries to break you, and trusting the powerful spirit within when it tells you to change the plan.
Life is unpredictable, but one thing's for sure: Mother Nature will always heal if you are willing to embrace her. This book proves that and gives peace of mind about solo-traveling across the U.S. and Canada. We live in a crazy world, but you will find free spirits being human everywhere on earth, willing to share love and laughter - two of the best kinds of medicine.
I AM grateful to have read this book and see Gila's journey of self-healing, self-discovery through the eyes of a REAL human embracing their free spirit. I highly recommend this book (and checking out her website where she posts all the amazing views she speaks of along the way) to all who want to take the first step outside their comfort zone of solo-traveling, especially women that may be afraid to. Gila expresses the emotions that come along with solo-traveling, including the healing process as a trauma victim. She is the one who made the choice to heal by embracing the unknown path, and I know she will inspire you to do the same if you read her story. :)
Finding peace by embracing the unknown path in life can seem daunting as human beings. We face unforeseen circumstances and find ourselves in situations where we unknowingly accept harm until we finally wake up to the truth, and want change; we want to heal.
Thanks to Gila, and other influential authors alike, I have found a common ground we all stand on - a powerful healer we are all part of: Mother Nature. Gila expresses the beauty Mother Nature ALWAYS provides, if one is willing to open their eyes and heart by embracing the unknown path - the journey of self-discovery. To take a chance by stepping forward, climbing (and descending) great heights when fear tries to break you, and trusting the powerful spirit within when it tells you to change the plan.
Life is unpredictable, but one thing's for sure: Mother Nature will always heal if you are willing to embrace her. This book proves that and gives peace of mind about solo-traveling across the U.S. and Canada. We live in a crazy world, but you will find free spirits being human everywhere on earth, willing to share love and laughter - two of the best kinds of medicine.
I AM grateful to have read this book and see Gila's journey of self-healing, self-discovery through the eyes of a REAL human embracing their free spirit. I highly recommend this book (and checking out her website where she posts all the amazing views she speaks of along the way) to all who want to take the first step outside their comfort zone of solo-traveling, especially women that may be afraid to. Gila expresses the emotions that come along with solo-traveling, including the healing process as a trauma victim. She is the one who made the choice to heal by embracing the unknown path, and I know she will inspire you to do the same if you read her story. :)
January 22, 2024
This is a wonderful, thought-provoking, and deeply spiritual book. It is not about religion, but Gila’s journey of discovery into herself using her travels around the country as the tool of self-discovery. I find this book easy to read and identify with…even though our paths are very different. She is making me think. And that is the best compliment I can give to any author.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews