These days, everyone has advice to offer on what it takes to be successful. Our feeds are flooded with tips and tricks on how to get up early, stay late, and work relentlessly. Meanwhile, social media constantly vies for our attention, making it a challenge to maintain genuine connections with others and ourselves.

I see this even more in my hometown, Atlanta, Georgia. The city’s entertainment and culture really show why people say, “Atlanta influences everything.” I’m proud of how much Atlanta has grown, but I’ve also seen how this fast-paced lifestyle can lead to burnout.

For me, that burnout showed up in full force early last year when I landed a promotion at work and simultaneously launched a run club with a close friend. I had no clue the level of commitment I was signing up for. What started as excitement slowly turned into a constant state of doing without pausing long enough to check in with how I actually felt.

Between the constant emails and meetings for our community runs and training, I felt like I was losing myself. That is, until one Sunday, when I decided to truly disconnect from it all. I quickly searched for “local hiking spots” and found a popular hiking trail just ten minutes outside the city.

The East Palisades Trail along the Chattahoochee River was far out enough that I could truly escape the buzz and hum of Atlanta. The trail stretches out for a little over four miles, traversing rocky bluffs that lead to scenic riverbanks and a bamboo forest. I knew my soul needed a break from all the chaos, so I packed up and headed out, in desperate need of some solo time spent in nature.



I started at the Whitewater Creek access point, and with every step I took, the city noise grew quieter behind me. The sound of leaves crunching under my feet, birds chirping overhead, and water rushing downstream brought me back to the early moments of my childhood, when I had all the time in the world to get outside and explore.

My first stop along the trail was Poppi’s Point, a beautiful bluff-top view where you could see miles of trees stretching into the distance and the Chattahoochee River flowing over large rock slabs. From this viewpoint, you can even see the distant Buckhead skyline.

Next, I made my way to my favorite part of the trail: the bamboo forest. Arriving here felt like stepping into another world: you cross a wooden bridge, walk along the riverbank, and are met with massive, vibrant green bamboo stalks stretching 30 feet into the sky. I picked up my pace, letting the trail pull me forward, ducking under low branches and stepping over exposed roots as the wind moved through the stalks around me.

At that point, I took a moment to close my eyes, listen to the bamboo quietly knocking in the breeze, feel the warmth of the sun, and reflect on my life. Taking in deep breaths as I stretched gave me a rush of euphoria and clarity I hadn’t felt in a long time. My legs felt lighter, my thoughts sharper, my body fully awake instead of drained. The rustle of the leaves above reminded me that nature doesn’t rush, and somehow, everything still gets done.

With only half a mile left on the trail, I cracked open a Yerba Madre. Each sip had natural energy that fueled my stride and carried that momentum all the way to the final turn of the path. As I finished the trail, I was ready to take on the week ahead.

Now, these escapes are part of my weekly routine. Every Sunday, I go off the grid, put my phone on “do not disturb,” and hit the trails with a Yerba. Even with a busy schedule, I start each week feeling fully alive. This small act of intention reminds me that intentional movement is what keeps me moving forward. I challenge you: Schedule a time this week to unplug, immerse yourself in nature, and reconnect with what matters most. Your well-being starts with just one intentional step. That step is how we come to life.