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There are moments in life that, at the time, seem like just another chapter in the story—nothing particularly extraordinary. But as time passes, you look back and realize that those fleeting instances were the pivotal moments that reshaped everything. They are the moments that, without warning, change the course of your life and leave an indelible mark on your heart. This is one of those moments. It’s a story of grit and grace—a story that has forever altered how I view strength, perseverance, and the connections that ignite in wild places.
In 2018, I launched a women's event company with a simple mission: to create a space where women could build confidence, deepen their skills, and embrace their love for hunting in the great outdoors. What I didn’t anticipate, however, was the profound and transformative power of the connections formed among women hunting in those wild spaces. The friendships, the shared challenges, and the inevitable byproduct of sisterhood have all become a central part of what we do—it’s more powerful than I could have ever imagined and it teaches lessons that reshape who we are.
Fast forward to 2024, and I’m again reminded of the true depth of those bonds and lessons. I had the honor of guiding one of my archery coaching clients to her first successful big game harvest—a milestone many hunters dream of. But this achievement was far more than just a victory in the field.
The woman I guided is a living example of resilience. Years ago, she was involved in a horrific car accident that nearly claimed her life. The accident left her fighting for the basic functionality of her arm—something most of us take for granted. She spent days, months, years, relearning how to use her hand and rebuilding strength that had been all but lost. What could have been an insurmountable obstacle became a testament to her tenacity, and it wasn’t just her physical strength that impressed
me—it was the mental and emotional grit she displayed in her healing journey.
She silenced the doubt and fear of the unknown packed her bags, and made the long trek to join me for her first archery hunt in the wilds of Australia. She’d been working hard to rebuild her strength so she could draw her bow and practice executing ethical shot placement if given the opportunity on our upcoming hunt. After landing, we found an archery target and made sure her bow had made the long journey without issue. Although she worked hard to muscle her bow back to full draw, her arrow flew true and she was ready to go. The next morning we headed into the field and it wasn’t long before we hiked our way down into a drainage where a mob of wild hogs were feeding.
Unsuspecting of us closing in on them, I watched in awe as she pushed past the physical challenge to draw her bow and settle her pin on her first big game animal. Less than 10 yards away from a wild boar, with steady hands, a focused mind, and an unshakable will, she executed a perfect shot, sealing her success in a way that was both exhilarating and profoundly humbling for me as a coach and guide.
The real power, however, came not just from her skill with a bow, but from her example of perseverance. Her strength and determination weren’t just a lesson for me—they are an inspiration to all the women who get to celebrate her story. As a mother, she is passing down a legacy of resilience and grit, teaching him through her actions that no challenge is too great to overcome. The lessons she’s imparting now will influence generations to come.
Looking back at my journey—at the launch of my business nearly a decade ago, at the women I’ve been fortunate enough to guide and connect with—it’s humbling to realize how much those wild places have shaped us. I stepped into a new career to help women grow their love for the outdoors, but what I didn’t fully anticipate was the way those women would teach me, challenge me, and inspire me. I stand in awe of the grit and grace that many of my clients embody every day.
In the wild, where the elements are raw and unforgiving, women connect in ways that are deeper than words. We share triumphs and struggles alike, building a sisterhood that transcends the challenges of the moment. Mother Nature, with her beauty and brutality, becomes the backdrop for a kind of personal transformation that not only strengthens our bond with nature but with each other. And it’s in those connections that we discover the true power of our resilience, our courage, and our capacity to support and lift one another up.
Grit and grace, though often seen as opposing characteristics, are what so many of these incredible women embody. It’s what keeps me going, fuels the fire burning within, and ignites the next chapter of our collective story. Be sure to sign up for one of our retreats to experience it for yourself!
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