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Welcome to The Daily Quote – a podcast designed to kickstart your day in a positive way. I'm your host, Andrew McGivern, for June 7th. Today we get to lace up our hiking boots and celebrate National Trails Day, a perfect excuse to escape the asphalt jungle and get lost—hopefully not literally—in the great outdoors. And as fate would have it, it's also National Black Bear Day, so if you do venture out, just remember: you're not the only one enjoying the trail.

Where I live, we have lots of trails and lots of black bears. In honor of these nature-loving holidays, today’s quote comes from naturalist and conservationist John Muir, who said:

Now that’s a quote worth packing in your mental backpack. Whether you're out conquering a trail or cautiously side-eyeing a distant rustling in the bushes (let’s hope it’s a squirrel), there's something about nature that gives you back more than you bargained for. You may head out looking for peace and quiet—but end up finding clarity, perspective, or even a much-needed reminder to slow down.

And research shows that being in nature lowers blood pressure, helps with anxiety, depression and reduces stress. Some studies show that just visiting nature can reduce your need for some pharmaceutical drugs... I bet you weren't seeking that when you started your hike!

And of course when you feel one with nature you feel more in focus and energized. And sure, you might also find mosquitoes and mud too, but let's focus on the philosophical stuff. John Muir reminds you that walking through nature isn’t just physical—it’s emotional, mental, even spiritual. You come back different, lighter maybe, like the trail somehow carried some of your troubles away. And as you’re out there soaking in the silence, don’t forget our fuzzy friend, the black bear. Like you, they’re just trying to enjoy the day—albeit with fewer snacks and more fur. So today, whether you’re hitting the trail or just dreaming of pine-scented breezes from your office chair, remember this: the path you walk may surprise you, restore you, and remind you that sometimes the best way to move forward is to simply take a walk under the trees.

And if you see a bear, just relax and keep your distance. The bear is usually not interested in you. They are just living their best life.

I've seen so many black bears on the trail I almost expect one now when I'm out on the trail. If I saw a grizzly bear that would be a different experience I think. Or a cougar... oh my.

Now go take a hike. No, seriously. You’ll feel better.

I'm Andrew McGivern, signing off for now, but I'll be back tomorrow - same pod time, same pod station, with another Daily Quote.