What happens when you do everything you're supposed to do, but still feel like something is missing? Jessica “Dixie” Hawkins had checked all the boxes. She earned an engineering degree, built a successful career, and followed the path everyone told her would lead to happiness. But deep down, she knew something wasn't right. So she quit her job and set out to hike the Appalachian Trail. What started as a childhood dream became a life-changing journey of self-discovery, courage, healing, and learning to trust herself. In this episode of Hey Tabi, licensed trauma therapist Tabitha Westbrook sits down with Dixie, the creator behind the popular YouTube channel Homemade Wanderlust, to talk about what happens when we stop living according to other people's expectations and start discovering who we really are. Having completed the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and Continental Divide Trail, Dixie knows a thing or two about doing hard things. But some of her most important lessons didn't come from conquering mountains. They came from navigating painful relationships, going to counseling, learning healthy boundaries, and discovering that asking for help isn't a weakness. Together, Tabitha and Dixie explore: Finding yourself again: How to reconnect with your identity when you've spent years living according to other people's expectations.The healing power of nature: Why getting outside can create space for emotional processing, self-reflection, and personal growth.Doing things scared: How taking small steps into unfamiliar territory can build confidence and help you discover what you're capable of.Knowing when to ask for help: Dixie shares the frightening wilderness emergency that forced her to activate her satellite SOS device and why listening to your body matters.Healing after difficult relationships: How therapy helped Dixie recognize unhealthy patterns, work through past hurts, and enter marriage with a stronger sense of self.Finding your people: The surprising kindness, connection, and community that can emerge when we step outside our comfort zones.Whether you're rebuilding your life after a destructive relationship, navigating a major transition, or simply wondering if there's more to life than the one you've been living, this conversation is a reminder that it's never too late to discover who you are. And you don't have to hike thousands of miles to begin. Sometimes the first step toward healing is simply giving yourself permission to try something new. Because you get to choose your own path. And you don't have to have everything figured out before you start walking. 🎧 Connect with Jessica “Dixie” Hawkins: YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@HomemadeWanderlust Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/off-trail-with-dixie-podcast/id1884934246 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/homemadewanderlust/ Wanna say hi? Send a text! At The Journey and The Process we strive to help you heal. Our therapists are trauma specialists who use evidence-based tools like EMDR, Brainspotting, Somatic Experiencing, and Internal Family Systems to help you heal - mind, soul, and body. Reach out today to start your healing journey. https://thejourneyandtheprocess.com/ Join a vibrant community that takes you deeper into topics with a private podcast feed available on your fave podcast platform, helpful tools served right to your inbox, and quarterly Zoom calls to bring it all together! Learn more and join now - https://thejourneyandtheprocess.com/upcoming-events-groups/trauma-healing-support-online/ This book is for every Christian woman who has been harmed sexually, whether that happened in childhood, adulthood, or even within your coercive controlling marriage, and you're longing to feel safe in your body again. We talk about the hard stuff, shame, desire, faith, and even questions like, is this sin or is this trauma?You don't have to untangle it alone. Body & Soul, Healed & Whole is for you. Get a copy here today - https://a.co/d/8Jo3Z4V Support the show 👍 If this episode resonated with you, please like, subscribe, and share to help others who need this information! 📖 Order Body & Soul, Healed & Whole: An Invitational Guide to Healthy Sexuality After Trauma, Abuse, and Coercive Control Wanna support Hey Tabi? Buy me a coffee here - https://buymeacoffee.com/heytabi 📩 Connect with Tabitha & The Journey and The Process: 💻 Tabitha's Website - www.tabithawestbrook.com 📲 Tabitha's Instagram - www.instagram.com/tabithathecounselor 🎙️ Podcast Homepage - https://heytabi.buzzsprout.com 💻 The Journey & The Process Website - www.thejourneyandtheprocess.com Subscribe to our YouTube Channel & watch podcast episodes there 🚨 Disclaimer: This podcast is not therapy and is intended for educational purposes only. If you're in crisis or need therapy, please reach out to a licensed mental health professional. Need to know how to find a great therapist? Read this blog post here.
