Signs on the Trail: Lessons in Fear, Connection and Trust

This past two weeks, I’ve been grappling with fear—a fear of loss, of being alone, of not succeeding. These emotions seemed to heighten after the passing of my dear friend. As I ventured onto the trail today, I asked for signs, for guidance—hoping the Universe would offer some reassurance.

The first sign appeared even before I stepped onto the trail. I passed a cemetery, and one headstone caught my eye. It said, "Hill"—my father's last name. In that moment, I could hear his voice echoing, "You worry me, girl," as if to remind me that I’m always okay.

When I stepped onto the trail, a coyote crossed my path, stopping to stare at me. In Native American tradition, the coyote represents both the trickster and the teacher, blending wisdom with folly. It felt like a reminder to be flexible, to approach life’s challenges with humility and humor.

Fear is something we all face, whether on the trail or in life. Sometimes it’s fear of the unknown, other times it’s fear of solitude or loss. But the trail reminds me to ground myself in the present. Right here, right now, I have everything I need. And with each step, that sense of fear lightens.

As I continued hiking, another sign arrived. I was feeling a bit lonely when, suddenly, I found myself surrounded by people at a trail intersection. It felt as if my friend Sharon was there, reminding me that I’m never truly alone. When I stopped focusing on the fear of solitude and trusted my own path, connection appeared.

This shared experience with nature and people on the trail is sacred to me. I often refer to the trail as my church, and I’m always reminded that I’m part of a larger community. Even the simple act of smiling at a stranger or exchanging greetings with a fellow hiker deepens my connection with others and reminds me of the goodness in humanity.

On the drive home, I saw an eagle soaring above me. My dad had once told me he’d come back as an eagle, and in that moment, I felt his presence—keeping his promise, offering comfort.

Just like the signs I saw on the trail, life often provides us with guidance—if we’re open to receiving it. In both life coaching and hiking, I guide my clients to recognize these moments of connection and trust, to face their fears, and to find strength in uncertainty.

Whether it's fear of failure, fear of being alone, or fear of not knowing the path ahead, I help my clients navigate through these emotions. Together, we identify what’s weighing them down and release it—step by step, just like we do on trail.