Why I Trust the Trees More Than People: Calling Out My Own Bullshit in the Wild

The Truth in the Timberline

Out here, the wind doesn’t care about my plans. The trees don’t lie to spare my ego. And the fire? It doesn’t burn any brighter just because I pretend I’ve got it all figured out.

There’s a difference between being alone and being with yourself. And for a long time, I couldn’t tell which one I was doing.

Used to think disappearing into the wild was about escaping the world. Turns out, I was trying to ditch my own shadow. Bad news? That bastard knows how to track.

This weekend, I’m heading back into the wild—not to escape, but to confront. And on Sunday, I’m swapping pine needles for paint rounds. Paintball ain’t just play—it’s controlled chaos. It keeps my edge sharp and reminds me how fast things shift when pressure’s real.

The First Lie I Had to Kill

I’d convinced myself that I was "preparing." Hell, I even sold it like a mission briefing. But deep down? I wasn’t prepping—I was hiding behind the illusion of progress.

That’s the first one that had to go. Out in the wild, pretending gets you cold, wet, or dead. Maybe all three.

It took one brutal, silent night and a sky full of stars to realize: I was using planning to avoid pain. Calling it strategy to mask fear. And nature? She called my bluff fast.

Nature Doesn’t Sugarcoat

There’s no buddy check from the woods. No motivational speech. Just you, your choices, and their consequences.

You tie your tarp right, or you sleep soaked. You pack light or your knees will scream. You manage your fire or you eat cold.

Nature ain’t cruel. She’s just honest. And damn, that kind of honesty is rare these days.

The Fire Never Judges

You ever stare into a fire long enough, it turns into a mirror.

I’ve caught myself thinking about the things I blamed others for. Thinking about the time I wasted waiting on change instead of becoming it. The lies I told to stay comfortable.

The fire don’t care. It won’t lecture you. It just burns while you process.

Discipline Over Drama

Drama gets you attention. Discipline gets you freedom.

I had to flip the switch. Quit reacting to life like I was being dragged through it. Start choosing my pace, my loadout, my direction. Every time I wanted to fall into old patterns, I reminded myself: Comfort zones are just coffins with better lighting.

This mindset? It didn’t come from a book. It came from cold mornings, wet boots, and gear that didn’t quit.

This weekend’s trip will be another step in sharpening that edge. Paintball’s not just play—it’s pressure. Movement. Reaction. A reminder that agility isn't just physical, it’s mental.

Go Get Uncomfortable

If you’re reading this thinking maybe it’s time—you’re right. It is.

Go disappear for a weekend. Turn your phone off. Make a fire. Get rained on. Get uncomfortable.

Because on the other side of all that noise you carry is something stronger. Someone clearer. A version of you who doesn’t flinch when it’s time to face the truth.

That’s the version I’m tracking down this weekend. And whether I find him between the trees or behind a paintball bunker—I’ll know him when I see him.

Gear That Doesn’t Lie

This stuff kept me going when the excuses ran out:

My Patriot Supply Emergency Food Kit – No energy? No insight. Fuel matters
Spec Ops Bushcrafting – Grounded, gritty, no-fluff wisdom.
Foraging Secrets – Because knowing what to eat is survival. Period.

Final Word – Call Yourself Out

I used to think being alone was the goal. Now I know better.

The real win? Being alone and actually liking who’s still standing with you.

If you're on the edge, thinking about changing something—do it. Call out your own bullshit. Burn the excuses. Then step into who you're supposed to be.

The mission starts the moment you stop lying to yourself.

See you in the wild.