Cheryl Strayed

I read Cheryl Strayed’s book ‘Wild,’ many years age. It must have been when it first came out, as she came to do an author event at my local bookshop, The Mainstreet Trading Company (If you are ever in the Scottish Borders travelling, go check it out. I love it and always visit when I go back. They have a fab cafe for coffee and cakes as well as a fantastic assortment of books). She was fabulous in person, really honest, warm and relatable.

Why did I love it so much? Why did I find it so inspirational? I was recently separated, 40 years old, with 3 teenage children and a full time job. This story of just leaving everything, to have time to discover who you really are gripped me so hard. Her writing is vivid and honest and raw at times, as she takes you on the journey with her. I actually feel tearful writing this, the book resonated with me so much.

It inspired me so much that I immediately wanted to go off and have a similar experience. At the time that wasn’t possible, I had responsibilities; but thinking about it now as I write this I suspect that my desire to become location independent may have begun at that point… I’d never consider this before! Whoah, feeling emotional. It’s definitely the place my interest in long distance walking originated.

I so much want to have the freedom to explore the world, I admire Cheryl because she struggled with life, as many of us do, and she recorded the life changing process she went through. Meeting her in person was fabulous. She was a really lovely, warm woman.

That she had the courage firstly to tackle this mammoth journey, and then the courage to share her story with us means that I find her an incredibly inspiring woman. If you haven’t yet read the book, I 100% recommend it.

I also liked the film, I love Reece Witherspoon -she may well find herself on this page some day, as she’s pretty inspirational too! – but I think it was impossible to get the depth of emotion that comes across in the book.

I have so many inspirational women that I want to share with you. Anyone else read ‘Wild,’ and found it inspirational? What other books by inspirational women authors do you love?

Read more blog posts about solo women traveling here.