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Introduction
In life, it’s easy to get caught up in the chaos of everyday routines and lose sight of what truly matters. But what if your struggles could actually be the key to uncovering your purpose? In episode #168 of the Soul Summit Podcast, the very first episode of season eight, host Heidi Stout and guest Anne-Christian Johns share a deeply personal conversation about perseverance, faith, and intentional living.
Through stories of backcountry hunting, navigating life’s challenges, and leaning into faith, this episode is packed with inspiration for anyone searching for clarity and purpose. It’s not just a story—it’s a call to action to embrace the wild-ness of life and come out stronger on the other side.
From Struggles to Growth: Lessons from the Wilderness
Anne-Christian’s journey is one of grit and grace. From her upbringing in North Carolina, where her father introduced her to hunting, to her move to Montana and her first true backcountry hunting experience, she has embraced the challenges of the wilderness as a metaphor for life.
Hunting on public land, where success is anything but guaranteed, taught her a valuable lesson: struggle is part of growth. “Mindset and perseverance are everything,” she shared, emphasizing the importance of staying positive and determined even when the odds are against you. These challenges, she explained, shape resilience and build character, whether in the mountains or in everyday life.
Disconnect to Reconnect
One of the most profound lessons Anne-Christian shared was the transformative power of disconnecting from distractions to reconnect with what truly matters. During her week-long hunting trip, stripped of modern conveniences and social media, she found clarity, purpose, and a renewed connection with her faith.
“Where else do you see God’s presence that clearly?” she asked, reflecting on how the absence of distractions allowed her to hear from God and reflect on her values. This reset reminded her—and can remind all of us—that sometimes we need to step away from the noise to find the stillness where purpose resides.
Finding Purpose Where Passion Meets Action
For those searching for their purpose, Anne-Christian shared a clear roadmap: focus on what excites you, ignites your passion, and aligns your natural talents with meaningful action.
"Purpose is found where passion meets action," she emphasized. It’s about identifying the intersection of your gifts and passions and taking the first step toward making a difference. Big or small, her message is simple: trust your calling and start moving forward.
Trust the Process and Surrender Control
Life rarely unfolds according to plan, and both Heidi and Anne-Christian shared the importance of surrendering control and trusting God’s timing. Anne-Christian likened this season of her life to gold being refined in fire—a painful but necessary process that shapes and purifies.
Surrender, she explained, doesn’t mean sitting still. It means letting go of rigid expectations while taking intentional steps toward your goals. Whether you’re navigating career challenges, relationships, or personal growth, trusting that your struggles have purpose can provide comfort and clarity. “Even when life feels uncertain, God sees the bigger picture,” she reminded listeners.
Failure is as Important as Success
Anne-Christian also highlighted the value of failure, both in hunting and in life. The lessons learned from difficult seasons often prepare us for greater successes and deepen our appreciation for them. “The failures are just as important as the wins,” she shared, encouraging listeners to embrace setbacks as stepping stones to growth.
Conclusion
Life is a journey of perseverance, purpose, and faith. Whether you’re hiking through the wilderness in search of an elk or navigating personal challenges, the lessons shared in episode #168 of the Soul Summit Podcast reminds us that every experience has value. Success isn’t always about the end result; it’s about the growth, resilience, and clarity gained along the way.
Let Anne-Christian’s story inspire you to embrace life’s struggles, live with intention, and trust that every season—no matter how difficult—has meaning. Take time to reflect on your passions, use your gifts, and take that first step toward your purpose. The wild-ness of life can feel daunting, but it is also where you find yourself, your purpose, and the strength to carry on.
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