# #8: 'It Was Like I Hit A Wall, But Instead Of Falling Down, I Just Backed Up'

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/perennial-pen-what-matters-most-a-silver-maple-strategies-podcast-with-nate-birt-7833224/8-it-was-like-i-hit-a-wall-but-instead-of-falling-down-i-just-backed-up
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/perennial-pen-what-matters-most-a-silver-maple-strategies-podcast-with-nate-birt-7833224/8-it-was-like-i-hit-a-wall-but-instead-of-falling-down-i-just-backed-up.md
Podcast: [Perennial Pen (What Matters Most): A Silver Maple Strategies Podcast with Nate Birt](https://stenobird.com/podcast/perennial-pen-what-matters-most-a-silver-maple-strategies-podcast-with-nate-birt-7833224)
Published: 2026-07-06T11:00:00+00:00
Episode link: https://2570ab7b-bc69-46ef-85e7-1fcaa2ab09bb.libsyn.com/8-it-was-like-i-hit-a-wall-but-instead-of-falling-down-i-just-backed-up
Audio file: https://traffic.libsyn.com/secure/2570ab7b-bc69-46ef-85e7-1fcaa2ab09bb/09_Perennial_Pen_MST_260628.mp3?dest-id=5372295
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Duration seconds: 2503

## Resource

What happens when you reach the point where you know something has to change? In this episode, I talk with Jamin from Missouri about a recent turning point in her life—one that began with exhaustion, anxiety, and the feeling of hitting a wall, but gradually opened into healing, boundaries, purpose, and a renewed connection with the natural world. Jamin shares honestly about learning to say, "This is who I am," and about the role nature has played in helping her breathe, listen, reflect, and come home to herself. We also talk about her lifelong love of the outdoors, her work as an educator, the value of active listening, and a simple question that can help each of us think more clearly about why we're here. In this episode, we explore: How Jamin recognized she had hit a wall and needed to make a change Why getting help can be a brave and life-giving step The freedom that comes from saying, "I'm not going to be anybody else" How nature can help us slow down, breathe, and reconnect Why active listening is one of the simplest ways to care for people The one-word question Jamin uses to think about purpose Connect with Jamin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamin-bray-a09180272/ As always, sincere thanks to Lee Williams for producing this and every episode of the Perennial Pen podcast. Reflection question: If you had to describe your life's purpose in one word—and it had to be a noun—what would that word be? Call to Action: If you or someone you know has a meaningful, life-affirming story to share on Perennial Pen , email me at nate@silvermaplestrategies.com . I reply to every email personally! Want Help Preserving Your Loved One's Amazing Life Stories? Would you like help capturing someone special's amazing life stories? My wife, Julie, and I can help you do that! L…

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