It’s Never Too Late to Begin Again: Hiking, Healing & Honoring a Life Well-Lived with Betsy Korbinyr

In this reflective and inspiring episode, I sit down with Betsy Korbinyr, a retired social worker, self-proclaimed umbraphile and the author of Time, Beauty, and Grief: A Hike Through Wisconsin’s 50 State Parks. At 65, Betsy set out on a transformative year-long Quest to hike five miles in each of Wisconsin’s state parks—an adventure of physical resilience, emotional healing, and profound self-discovery.

Together, we explore:

• How hiking and nature became a pathway for grief, growth, and self-reflection
• Why “time, beauty, and grief” are the pillars of Betsy’s story—and how we can embrace those themes in our own lives
• The value of doing a “Life Review” before the end of life and how it builds clarity and integrity
• What it means to challenge yourself later in life and live with curiosity and courage
• The joys of being an umbraphile (eclipse-chaser!) and finding awe in the world around us

Betsy’s story reminds us that adventure isn’t just for the young—and that sometimes, a hiking trail can be the map back to yourself.

📚 Learn More About Betsy’s Book: Time, Beauty, and Grief: A Hike Through Wisconsin’s 50 State Parks → Buy on Amazon → Mentioned in Isthmus: Year in Books → Best Indie Book Awards – Winner, Best Travel Book 2024

💚 20% of all proceeds are donated to Friends of Wisconsin State Parks.

✨ Takeaways & Homework:

• Challenge yourself—at any age—with something new.
• Reflect on your life through journaling or a Life Review.
• Hike your own version of a “50 Park Quest” (even if it’s just your local trails).
• Let nature remind you of your own resilience.

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