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Giveaway and Interview: Hike Your Own Hike by Francis Tapon

Note: The winners for this giveaway have already been chosen. Subscribe to Tiny Buddha to receive free daily or weekly emails and to learn about future giveaways!

The Winners:

If you’ve spent any time traveling, you likely know the amazing sense of freedom and possibility that comes from exploring the world.

My boyfriend likes to note the distinction between vacationing and traveling.

Vacations often entail relaxation, rejuvenation, and recreation, and we usually plan them well in advance. Travel, on the other hand, tends to involve more spontaneity, uncertainty, and adventure, whether that means spending hours taking trains or hiking, or sightseeing without a clear sense of where you’ll stay for the night.

The closest I’ve gotten to this type of travel experience was back in college, when I spent a semester in Europe.

I remember thinking that I’d later regret it if I didn’t do it then, because never is international travel more convenient than it is during college. In fact, travel in general seems a lot easier when you don’t yet have responsibilities.

This is partly why I was fascinated to read Hike Your Own Hike: 7 Life Lessons from Backpacking across America: The author, Francis Tapon, has made travel a priority and a way of life, and has fostered an adventurous spirit and a contagious passion as a result.

But his book isn’t just about seeing the world; it’s about living life on your own terms, and taking time to evaluate whether you’re following fear or following your bliss.

Francis has generously offered to give away three copies of Hike Your Own Hike: one hard-copy book, one eBook, and one audio book.

The Giveaway

To win one of three copies of Hike Your Own Hike:

  • Leave a comment on this post. (You must be a subscriber to win–it’s free to join the list!)
  • Tweet: RT @tinybuddha Giveaway and Interview: Hike Your Own Hike by Francis Tapon http://bit.ly/GAV261

You can enter until midnight PST on Sunday, March 25th. If you don’t have a Twitter account, you can still enter by completing the first step.

The Interview

1. What inspired you to write Hike Your Own Hike?

Hiking the Appalachian Trail, a 2,168-mile footpath that goes from Maine to Georgia. For four months, I backpacked, communed with nature, and slept in the woods. All that time gave me time to think about life and how to get the most out of it. Later, I would walk across America three more times.

2. You’re a Harvard MBA, an entrepreneur, and a world traveler. What are three things we couldn’t learn about you through a Google search?
  • No matter where I am, I take my shoes off whenever I sit down.
  • I exercise (usually by going for a run) 360 days per year.
  • I read one book per week.
3. You’ve certainly had some unique experiences, from your business pursuits to your extensive travels. Would you say this journey across the Appalachian Trail was your greatest adventure to date, or was it something else—and why?

Doing a round-trip on the Continental Divide Trail was an even bigger adventure than the Appalachian Trail because it was nearly three times longer and took seven months. I was the first person to yo-yo the CDT.

Recently, I returned from my latest adventure: three years of exploring Eastern Europe to write my newest book, The Hidden Europe. My biggest adventure is coming up: I plan to visit all 54 countries in Africa over three years.

4. Your book urges people to get outside their comfort zones and create meaning and fulfillment in their lives. Why do you think we often struggle to do this?

Because homo sapiens evolved to not rock the boat when their basic needs are met. If you’ve got food, shelter, and safety, why embark on a crazy journey that could make you lose all that?

Most cavemen who embarked on such risky endeavors didn’t survive long enough to pass down their adventurous genes. So we’re mostly the descendents of a conservative species; indeed, most living things are pretty conservative.

However, in the modern world, where our basic needs are easier than ever to meet and tigers aren’t about to attack you on the street, we can afford to take bigger risks, yet we don’t because of our ancient programming.

5. You’ve explored seven main lessons in your book. Can you summarize them here?
  • Hike Your Own Hike: listen to what others advise you, but do what feels good/right for you.
  • Beware of Summit Fever: live below your financial means.
  • Hike with Passion: make your job your passion.
  • Learn from Trail Lore: before hiking with passion, learn from history (from others).
  • Eat Well, Walk Hard, Sleep Soundly: take care of your body.
  • Perform Trail Magic: practice random acts of kindness.
  • The Hike is Too Important to Take Seriously: have perspective and decode life events in a positive fashion.
6. You explain that living in the wilderness is a form of meditation. Can you expand on this?

Look at all the wise people throughout history. Where have they found their wisdom? Religious figures such as Jesus, Moses, Muhammad, and the Buddha spent some of their most profound moments in the wilderness.

The Israelites wandered the desert for 40 years. That’s a metaphor for seeking wisdom. Muhammad reflected in a cave on Mount Hira. Henry David Thoreau spent a couple of years next to Walden Pond.

In short, fifteen-minute meditation breaks are wonderful and one-week meditation retreats are also useful, but spending weeks/months in the wilderness will take you to another level. And it’s probably less expensive than you imagine.

7. In Chapter 2, you talk about the value of freedom. What is one simple thing we can all do today to start creating a sense of freedom in our lives?

Examine a reoccurring expense in your life (coffee habit, cable, alcohol/smoking/shopping habit) and get rid of it. Calculate what would happen over the course of a year—how much money/time would you save? How will it feel to no longer be a slave to that unnecessary expense?

Soon you will either escape from your prison of debt or you will build a financial buffer that will allow you spread your wings and fly to where you really want to be (e.g., a new career, location, way of life).

8. In Chapter 5, you talk about questioning our beliefs, assumptions, and conclusions. Why is this so important—in hiking, and in life?

Because most of what we believe we believe without knowing why we believe it or if it really makes sense. When you travel to a foreign land (e.g.: wilderness or a strange country), you learn that many of your assumptions and beliefs are not axioms.

Challenge your beliefs and stretch yourself. Death is one of the most positive forces in the universe. Perhaps more than any other force, death motivates us to live and to rethink our behavior. Death compels us to live more meaningful lives. It can be death of a loved one or our own brush with death (or a doctor telling us that we will die soon). Don’t wait for Death—question your assumptions and life now.

9. What advice would you offer to someone who wants to experience the excitement and adventure of traveling, but has limited time and resources?

Start locally. So many people have hardly explored their own neighborhood. Begin with a three-hour stroll around an unfamiliar place near your home. Interact with people, observe the surroundings, and ask yourself, “What can I learn from this new environment?”

Then expand that circle of exploration. Challenge yourself by going camping during a rainstorm with the objective to be as happy as you can be, to see the joy of living even during a downpour. With such adventures, you’ll expand your mind and soul.

10. What is the main message you hope people take away from Hike Your Own Hike?

To optimize your life by living fully, not settling for an existence that is shallow and meaningless. It’s depressing to see how many people waste their life by watching brainless TV shows and doing jobs that they hate.

Others are content living a life that’s a 7 out of 10. That’s fine, but what if you want to live a life that’s a 9 or 10 out of 10? For practical tips on exactly how to do that, read Hike Your Own Hike. It’s hard to summarize all the practical steps in a short interview. I’ll leave you with one quote:

“Most people, even though they don’t know it, are asleep. They’re born asleep, they live asleep, they marry in their sleep, they breed children in their sleep, they die in their sleep without ever waking up.” ~Anthony de Mello, Jesuit Priest

Read more about Hike Your Own Hike here.


FTC Disclosure: I receive complimentary books for reviews and interviews on tinybuddha.com, but I am not compensated for writing or obligated to write anything specific. I am an Amazon affiliate, meaning I earn a percentage of all books purchased through the links I provide on this site.

About Lori Deschene

Lori Deschene is the founder of Tiny Buddha. She started the site after struggling with depression, bulimia, c-PTSD, and toxic shame so she could recycle her former pain into something useful and inspire others to do the same. You can find her books, including Tiny Buddha’s Gratitude Journal and Tiny Buddha’s Worry Journal, here and learn more about her eCourse, Recreate Your Life Story, if you’re ready to transform your life and become the person you want to be.

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pufferfish

I like the advice to start locally. Can’t wait to read the book 😉

Brandon

The book sounds right up my alley, I greatly look forward to reading it

Bonnie

There’s so much we can learn about ourselves & our world by getting outside. I’d love to read this book!

Lisa

Hiking is more than a typical journey. I’d love to read this.

seabear

It has been a dream of mine to hike the Appalachian Trail, I would love to read this. 

Jewel

The book definitely speaks to me.  I know I have been asleep and have been trying to step out as I approach  50.  Harder when you are dragging a family along!  But for years I have longed to bike and hike across America.  Can’t wait to read this!

Maggie

Amazing I would really love to get a copy of this book 🙂

Melodyangel

Looks like a great book!
Blessings
From Debra J Webb
Namaste’
melodyangel.com

Mayamsamuel

looks inspiring and im always looking for some motivation! would love to win this!  🙂

Jenncondon

I love the cover photo and title. If the book is half as thought-provoking as the cover and title, I’m sure it will be a wonderful read.

Alex

This sounds like an amazing book! I learned a lot just from the interview and can’t wait to learn more!

Je

I’m a big believer in “hiking one’s own hike” –I’d  love to read about his journeys.

Mary

Great article.  I would love to have this book as a coach for my own journey!

The Well-Versed Mom

Looking forward to reading it. Makes me eager to get out and hike this weekend!

Sarah

This looks like an awesome book! Inspiring. Hiking is such a breath of fresh air – literally. I hope this book finds it’s way into my hands! 🙂 

goodwolve

It is my dream to walk across America… so cool that she has done this! Can’t wait to read about it.

Leah Graves

Sounds like a great read. Thanks for posting the interview. I get the e-newsletter and follow Tiny Buddha on Facebook.

Rebecca

Looks like a great book!

Awellsdba

It may take me a while, given my RA and the way it can sometimes be a little on the whiny side… but one day (when I don’t have to worry about keeping my kids in health insurance… ) I will pack it all in and walk across the us… maybe across and back, so I can hit all the states!!! 

april

amazing story! would love more than anything to be able to read the book!

Jonathan Smith

Very inspirational! Sounds like a good read.

Yevonda dee

I can’t figure out how to enter..I clicked where it says to and it just brings me back here! lol

Nic

I started my own spiritual journey when I gave up working in a highly stressful and demanding job. One of the things that kept me going in my quest for freedom and happiness was reading up on books and blogs like this. Now, 3 years down the line, I feel I have grown tremendously and my freelance career is on the right track, leaving me room to enjoy my freedom and loving the work that I do. Last year I went on a trip to Scandinavia and discovered the beauty of nature and solitude. I decided there and then that I wanted to simplify my life by getting rid of all excessive luggage and continue through life travelling light… This spring Im going to learn how to use compass and map, learn how to read the weather and just the basics of backpacking and hiking. Im very excited to go on my first backpacking trip this summer… travelling light.. but with one companion… this book!

K. Ryan

Normally I do not click through to the site nor enter these book giveaways but this one resonated with me. As a lifelong nomad and someone who often feels the need to travel, explore and plant my roots everywhere I go, this story and interview are truly wonderful. Life is so short to settle and be afraid to reach for the clouds. Thanks for this interview!

Torben

I have several goals: Bike across the United States, hike the AT & PCT, go skydiving, and do a continental motorcycle/bicycle ride that takes me from North America to South America…oh yeah, and skydiving, but I’ve already got a certificate to do that this year!  The only limitation is money. I don’t have a lot of stuff (all of which could be easily sold on Craigslist), but don’t have a lot of savings and a contracted job. Hopefully all the cards fall in place to make these things happen. And I hope everyone out there gets to follow their dreams and achieve them.

Yevonda Dee

I have wanted to do this for years BTW! I am sixty-two, and am seriously still considering it! (Maybe not the whole country!! But a state or two..)
Reading this may push me into or out of it!
Can’t wait to find out!!

Jeffc1

Using nature as a meditation practice is a great experience.  sounds like a great read.  thanks, Lori.

Corinna

I am vibrating with the anticipation and excitement about the possibilities, the outcome, the spark reading this book will ignite… knowing reading the book will do nothing, unless I step out myself and live!  Thanks for sharing  : )

Becky Shea Cafouros

I am a Melanoma survivor and determined to change my life for the better at this point.  I would LOVE to have a copy of this book for added inspiration!

Zulusan

Fantastic experience and walking your rhythms through;)

Cathy Myers

I really enjoyed the interview. I feel I was lead here because I’m feeling I need to do this, perhaps on a smaller scale. Baby steps eh?

Shannon Shoemaker

Looking forward to reading this.

Rosiejess6

I love hiking!

Brooke

Hiking the AT, I know and learned much of what the author is talking about. It is very exciting to be given new eyes to see.

Joseph

Very motivating…I am trying to follow this advice and look forward to reading this book

Msmary468

Inspiring!!!

Mandarjones

Hiking has changed my life. It has awakened me in a way that only meditation in nature can. I am so excited to read this book!

Sarah Klug

I’m heading to Australia and New Zealand for what I hope to be a little vacation and a little hike.

Kate Britt

Hiking, outdoor adventures & challenges, all of it is a fantastic analogy. I especially enjoyed answer #5 above, connecting the analogy directly with life’s lessons. Thank you, Mr. Tapon.

Jenjaroch

This is exactly what I need to read and soon! 🙂

Liz

this sounds wonderful in so many ways. I love to get my hands on a copy!

mtndeb

Love it!  As an avid hiker/backpacker/outdoorswoman, it was particularly poignant!  I look forward to reading the book!  Happy trails!  Deb

Matthew Depasquale

Great interview, this book sounds awesome!

Chocoholicartist

Yes! A much desired breath of fresh air and inspiration, I’M READY FOR IT!!!!

Tinkerbell245

Awesome – the natural world has always provided inspiration for journeys – can’t wait to read the book!

Yevonda Dee

Heelp! How do I stop all these comments from suddenly showing up in my e-mail?? <3

Dixter

Random Acts of Kindness. I love it.

Allison

I can’t wait to read this.  I’m currently taking steps outside my comfort zone.  It’s frightening!

Tony Holgate

I have hiked most of my life. When we hike, we discover ourselves, as well as the world.

Grace

When I’m out of doors, I don’t even think of it as meditation. Just being out is so natural…. for me it just is and I love it.