Many Trails

Many Trails in the Forest, Many Trails in Life

When you step into the forest, you quickly realise there isn’t just one trail. Some are well-worn, clearly marked, and easy to follow. Others fade into the undergrowth, beckoning the curious and the brave. Some lead to a lookout you never planned to find. Some loop back on themselves. Some just stop.

Life is exactly the same.

There isn’t one straight path from start to finish — no single “right” way to reach your destination. Because life isn’t a single destination at all. It’s a journey made up of many stages, many campfires, and many moments where you stop, breathe, and take in the view before moving on.

Always Moving, Always Learning

In bushcraft — and in life — we’re always moving. Sometimes with purpose, sometimes because standing still just doesn’t feel right. Every step teaches us something. Every obstacle sharpens our skills. Each challenge gives us a new tool, a new way of thinking, a new resilience.

The great gift of the outdoors is that it mirrors our inner world. Out there, we constantly adapt — to the weather, the terrain, and the gear we have on hand. And as we grow, we add new tools to our pack: patience, perspective, compassion, and courage.

The more trails we walk, the more capable we become of choosing our next one.

The Road Less Travelled

Sometimes, the trail that calls us isn’t the one that’s clearly marked. It might be overgrown, rocky, or heading in a direction others have avoided. But often, those less-trodden paths are the ones that lead to the most growth and the greatest rewards.

Taking an uncharted route requires courage and discernment. It’s where the metaphor of bushcraft meets the reality of decision-making — assessing risk, weighing consequence, and trusting instinct.

When life presents a fork in the path, ask yourself:

• What if I do this?

• What if I don’t?

• What might I gain by blazing a new trail instead of following someone else’s?

Sometimes the safest track isn’t the one that takes you where you truly need to go. And sometimes the hard climb — the one that tests your endurance and faith — is what gives you the best view.

Sharpen the Saw, Realign the Compass

Even the most seasoned traveller needs to pause and recalibrate. Bushcrafters call it “sharpening the saw” — taking time to rest, to reflect, and to rebuild our strength and focus. It’s about checking our bearings, realigning the compass, and making sure we’re still heading toward our true north.

True north isn’t a destination; it’s a direction — an inner pull that reminds us who we are and what matters most.

Forks in the Trail

Every so often, the path divides. Left or right? Uphill or along the river?

These moments test us. They remind us that growth doesn’t come from certainty — it comes from courage. We can’t always see what lies ahead, but with a clear sense of purpose and the support of others around us, we can trust ourselves to choose well. And if the path doesn’t lead where we expected, that’s alright. We learn, we adjust, and we keep walking.

Because life, like the forest, is full of trails — and each one has something to teach us.

Keep Walking Your Trail

So wherever you are on your journey, take a moment to look around. Notice the light through the trees, the sound of your own footsteps, and the small signs that show how far you’ve already come.

The trail ahead may twist, rise, or fade, but that’s part of its beauty. Keep moving. Keep learning. Keep your compass true.

Because there are many trails in the forest — and each one leads you somewhere worth finding.