By Jessika “Taps” Poppe (@jessikapoppe)

The Appalachian Trail is a relentless footpath, where only a determined few dare to test their limits. In 2021, I embarked on this 2,000+ mile journey in pursuit of adventure, fully aware that it would push me to my breaking point. And it did—but in the process, I was rebuilt. The parts of me that the trail stripped away made room for someone stronger, more committed, and more alive. Trekking from Georgia to Maine with everything I needed strapped to my back not only taught me invaluable life lessons but also gave me an epic story to share for a lifetime.

After spending over six months walking through the wilderness, I learned countless life lessons—but these three stand out above the rest.

Never Quit on a Bad Day

Through relentless rain, aching pain, overwhelming homesickness, and yet another bland bowl of ramen and instant mashed potatoes at camp, there were moments when I wanted nothing more than to stop. On those days, it was hard to remember why I started. But had I quit when everything I owned was soaked, when my body reeked of sweat and mud, I would have missed out on the friendships, memories, and lessons that changed me forever.

This is your reminder: don’t quit just because it gets hard. Whether it’s life, running, fitness, work—anything worth doing will test you. Challenges will come, and when they do, you have a choice. You can surrender, or you can adapt, adjust, and push through. Growth doesn’t come from taking the easy way out. It comes from enduring, evolving, and proving to yourself that you are stronger than the struggle. Quitting is easy. Overcoming is life-changing.

Appreciate the Journey

Reaching the end of my 6+ month adventure felt like both a victory and a heartbreak. The moment I had spent months chasing—standing atop Katahdin—had come and gone. Just like that, it was over. The trail that had consumed my every thought, challenge, and triumph was now behind me, and “real life” was waiting. As I looked back, I found myself longing for the very moments I had once overlooked—the quiet sunrises, the laughter at camp, the simple joy of putting one foot in front of the other.

The real lesson? Appreciate every step of the journey. Right now, wherever you are, whatever your body is capable of—this is the moment to cherish. Don’t rush to the finish line only to realize you missed the beauty along the way. Pause. Breathe. Take it all in. Stop and smell the flowers—both figuratively and, in my case, quite literally. Life isn’t just about where you’re going. It’s about how you get there.

Life Won’t Wait—So Stop Waiting to Live

We will never be as young as we are at this moment. Time moves forward whether we’re ready or not, and life is too short to keep pressing pause on the things that set our souls on fire. Don’t wait for the “perfect” time—it doesn’t exist. Be open to new experiences, chase opportunities, and do what makes you truly happy now, not someday.

Too often, we push our dreams aside, telling ourselves we’ll get to them later. But later isn’t guaranteed. Prioritizing yourself—stepping into your life with main character energy—isn’t selfish, it’s necessary. When you choose to live fully and authentically, you attract the kind of people who uplift, inspire, and walk beside you on this journey. So stop waiting. Do the things. Live boldly. Because life isn’t meant to be put on hold—it’s meant to be lived.

Climb your mountain. Run your race. Live your life.

You got this!