Shelby Stanger, a seasoned adventurer and podcast host, has carved a unique niche through her explorations and storytelling. Her journey, chronicled in the latest episode of "The Daily Helping," is a testament to the power of embracing the wild, both in nature and within oneself. As a journalist-turned-podcaster, Shelby created "Wild Ideas Worth Living," a platform acquired by REI, where she interviews various adventurers, sharing her own extensive surfing and outdoor experiences.
Shelby's path was shaped by early life challenges, including the loss of her father. This personal tragedy highlighted the brevity of life and steered her towards surfing and nature, which she found to be healing and meditative. These experiences underscore her philosophy: that adventure is not just an activity, but a crucial element for mental well-being and personal growth.
"Will to Wild," her insightful book, delves into the mindset necessary for adventures, the challenges faced, and the transformative effects of such experiences. It's a blend of personal anecdotes and interviews, providing practical guidance for those looking to embark on their own adventures. A key theme in Shelby's narrative is the role of fear. She discusses how facing fears in the wilderness can empower individuals to confront life's broader challenges, offering tactics like focusing on the present to manage fear.
Shelby's message resonates beyond the realm of adventurers. She advocates for the importance of starting - in adventures and life - emphasizing action over extensive planning. The transformative power of kindness, both towards oneself and others, is a recurring theme in her stories. Her insights serve as a reminder of the therapeutic nature of the outdoors and the profound impact of small acts of bravery and compassion.
In a world that often feels overwhelming, Shelby Stanger's philosophy offers a refreshing perspective on the interplay between nature, fear, kindness, and self-discovery.
The Biggest Helping: Today’s Most Important Takeaway
“There's two things. One, go outside in nature as often as you can and breathe. And the second is be kind. In interviewing all the adventurers I've interviewed, hundreds, maybe thousands, kindness is a game-changer. It'll get you out of a jam. It'll help you on your way. It'll bring you trail magic. It'll just change your life and kindness is really an important part of adventure and that's not just being kind to other people and kind to animals and trees but it's being kind to yourself. Like we can all be really hard on ourselves and you have to laugh at yourself on the way. You're gonna look ugly sometimes when you're surfing. You're gonna have a wedgie. Your bikini is gonna be up your booty and your boob might be hanging out and you gotta learn to laugh. Be kind to yourself. Be kind to others. Get outside and have fun.”
--
Thank you for joining us on The Daily Helping with Dr. Shuster. Subscribe to the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts to download more food for the brain, knowledge from the experts, and tools to win at life.
Resources:
Produced by NOVA Media
Play
