Story & Lesson Highlights with Tami Brooks of East Texas

We recently had the chance to connect with Tami Brooks and have shared our conversation below.

Good morning Tami, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Being in nature.

When I first started my hiking journey, I had no idea it would turn into so much more than just a way to stay active. Stepping onto the trails, I discovered my gym, my therapist, and my church all wrapped into one beautiful package. There’s something magical about being outdoors, surrounded by nature, that makes time fade away.

When I’m out there on the trail, or on the water in my kayak, time becomes irrelevant. I find joy, healing, and a deeper connection to myself and the world. That’s what keeps me coming back, and that’s what truly makes me lose track of time—and find myself again.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi, I’m Tami Brooks. In 2016, during a road trip with my two grown kids, I made a spontaneous decision: I wanted to hike the Grand Canyon. The catch? I had zero hiking experience! But armed with a Google search bar and a glass of Cabernet, I decided to take the leap and go for it.. I made reservations for Phantom Ranch nearly a year in advance and began training by hiking a new trail every week. This commitment sparked the creation of the 52 Weeks, 52 Hikes community.

As I shared my journey, I was invited to write an article about my experiences. What began as a simple piece soon blossomed into travel writing gigs and ultimately led to my memoir, 52 Weeks, 52 Hikes: A Reluctant Hiker’s Life-Changing Year on the Trails, which was published in 2024.

Now, I’m working a new book a work of fiction titled The Loop. This thriller is set in the Ouachita Mountains in Arkansas and follows five women on a three-day backpacking trip. It’s loosely inspired by the popular Eagle Rock Loop trail and the tragic flooding event that occurred there in 2010, resulting in twenty deaths—a story that I explored during my hiking adventures.

Through every step, I’ve discovered not just the beauty of the trails, but also the power of storytelling and community. I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me next!

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child, I was often told that I wasn’t athletic or good at sports, and I carried that belief for a long time. I also heard that girls didn’t engage in many of the activities I was interested in. While I may not have excelled in athletics, it’s important to note that there simply weren’t many opportunities for girls at the time. Plus, I didn’t even know that the outdoor adventures I now love existed in any meaningful way. My family wasn’t particularly outdoorsy, so those types of recreational activities didn’t make sense to me.

Fast forward to 2016, when I discovered my capacity for physical activity through hiking. This journey not only challenged my preconceived notions but also helped me embrace my body in a new light. I learned to appreciate my thick calves for powering me up mountains, my strong arms and back for carrying my pack, and my endurance for pushing through tough trails. Each hike became a celebration of what my body could achieve rather than a focus on what it couldn’t. This newfound acceptance has transformed my relationship with myself, allowing me to recognize my strength and resilience in ways I never imagined.

What did suffering teach you that success never could?
Oh my gosh, so much! When it comes to hiking, I’ve certainly faced my fair share of suffering, haha. What I’ve learned through those challenging moments is that it’s okay to sit with discomfort. I used to believe that things came easily to others, especially on the trails. I’d look at those steep climbs and think they were a breeze for some, requiring little effort, while I struggled to push through.

But that couldn’t be further from the truth. I’ve realized that everyone experiences discomfort; it’s just that some people have learned to embrace it in their pursuit of a goal. This realization has been life-changing for me. Whether on the trail or in life, understanding that discomfort is part of the journey has helped me cultivate resilience and patience. It taught me that enduring those tough moments is often where the most growth happens.

Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What do you believe is true but cannot prove?
That Bigfoot is real. Okay, maybe that sounds a bit silly, but I genuinely want to believe. I think the fascination with Bigfoot resonates with so many people because it represents the idea that there might be something magical and untouched in our natural world. It sparks our imagination and invites us to explore the mysteries of nature. While I can’t prove it, (and as far as I can tell no one can!) the thought of a creature like Bigfoot roaming the woods adds a layer of wonder to our outdoor adventures. Idk, but it’s fun to think about!

Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
Giving a shit about what other people think—about anything. I know that sounds easier said than done, and I’m definitely working on it now, though I’m not always successful. Imagine how liberating it would be to make decisions without worrying about anyone else’s opinions! That’s it. That’s the whole answer.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
All images are mine

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems,
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Highlighter Series
What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?

Coffee? Workouts? Hitting the snooze button 14 times? Everyone has their morning ritual and we

Highlighter Series
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?

Our deepest wounds often shape us as much as our greatest joys. The pain we

Highlighter Series
Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?

Culture, economic circumstances, family traditions, local customs and more can often influence us more than