MODERN ATHENAS Episode 24: Solo Journey Down the Grand Canyon / Finding Strength and Individuality during Solitude

MODERN ATHENAS

In this podcast, we will be discussing the book “Canyon Solitude,” by Patricia C. McCairen. Canyon Solitude takes the reader through Patricia’s journey of self-discovery as she leaves her life of comfort and stability and heads West. She lives a life of adventure out west, drifting through the high plateaus of Colorado, learning how to be a river guide down many of the most dangerous and beautiful rivers, and, through it all, she demonstrates why sometimes in life, it is better to leave the safety of the known for the adventure and uncertainty of the unknown. Like all Modern Athenas, Patricia pushed aside the critics and followed her dream. She set her raft afloat down the river and, through her rafting, discovered that not only could she survive, but that she could thrive. Her inner strength, determination, and courage remind us all that in life, you have to keep taking risks and moving forward to new adventures because the true rewards are found beyond the edges of your comfort zone.
INDEX
0:00 Intro and Background of the Book
2:03 Letting Go of Stability
6:17 The Calling of the River
13:57 Support vs. Resistance To Big Decisions
19:10 Setting Off on the Adventure
26:23 What It’s Like to be Alone
32:30 Social Awkwardness and Anxiety
37:34 Embracing Fear
40:23 Downfalls of Dependency
45:13 Women River Guides: Value of Brains over Brawn
48:39 When Everything Goes Wrong
52:34 The End of the River, Beginning of Freedom
57:42 Outro and Next Episode
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