We Hike to Heal, Inc
May 2026 Newsletter
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MAY 2026
Hey there Reader,
May holds a powerful dual energy for us: 💚 Mental Health Awareness Month + 💐 Mother’s Day
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The two are not mutually exclusive.
🌥️ You may be a mother doing everything you can just to keep your head above water.
🌥️ Or you may be an adult child whose mother wound still echoes through your daily life.
Both mental health and motherhood are complex, deeply layered experiences. We arrive at them through different paths, yet both invite us—especially at this time of year—to slow down, reflect, and reconnect: with ourselves, with nature, and with one another.
At We Hike to Heal, we believe healing doesn’t happen alone. And this month, we’re offering multiple ways to step into that healing—wherever you are in the world.
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The #WeHikeToHeal Challenge is ON!
🗓️ May 1-31, 2026 | 📍Your Corner of the World, Planet Earth
This is your invitation to join a global movement rooted in nature, mindfulness, and intentional growth.
✨ A month-long journey with weekly guided inspiration (journaling, meditation, reflection)
✨ A chance to mother yourself and reconnect with your inner rhythm and the outdoors
✨ An opportunity to give back to We Hike to Heal and our community
Whether you’re brand new or returning, this Challenge meets you exactly where you are.
BONUS: Hear the voices you know so well from the trails and the We Hike to Heal campouts on the weekly guided meditations that are yours to keep! Who wants to ease into Week 1 with, WH2H Board Member and Emotional Wellness Crew Lead, J’s soothing voice setting you up for BIG things this month? Or listen to Ambassador Pam’s gentle southern cadence as she guides you through the forest to your Highest Self!
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Lead a Hike
One of the most powerful parts of the Challenge?
YOU.
We are still welcoming Hike Leads through May 12th to host a local hike in their community.
No experience necessary — just a willingness to gather, walk, and hold space.
💬 What it looks like:
- Choose a trail or local outdoor space
- Invite others (friends, community, or strangers!)
- Incorporate a mindful moment (journal, pause, breathe, reflect)
✨ You’re not just leading a hike — you’re creating connection and healing.
👉 Sign up to lead a hike before May 12th
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🛋️Hang time with new board member, Marcus!
- How many pairs of outdoor shoes do you own? Aren’t all shoes designed to be worn outdoors? Haha! But seriously, I own two pairs of shoes that would be considered appropriate for hiking.
- What committees will you be leading/serving and how will you shine there? I currently serve on the Fundraising committee and the Finance Committee. I bring many years of non-profit board experience to WH2H and look forward to assisting the organization increase the number of grants secured, increase the number of corporate sponsorships, and increase the individual donor base.
- What do you most want to create as a WH2H board member in 2026? In the short term, I am very interested in securing funds so that WH2H can deliver on its mission: to build an inclusive community that normalizes self-care, creates a sacred space for healing and adventure, and prioritizes the mental and emotional wellbeing of all women.
- Pre-board meeting pump-up jam? Right now, I’m listening to a lot of Soul House and Disco House, so DJs like Zack Fox and Kaytranada.
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Fun fact: WH2H Program & Development Director, Deva, went to Beloit College with Marcus, where both were in the dance department together.
- When I’m not outdoors, I’m engaged in my work at DePauw university, engaged in service work in my community, or planning my next travel adventure.
- Where can our community find you? @dancermarcus on TikTok or @dancermarcus on Instagram.
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Want to spend more time with Marcus & WH2H?
Join Our Board!
As We Hike to Heal continues to expand, we need passionate leaders to help guide our mission. If you believe in creating safe and inclusive outdoor spaces, we encourage you to apply to join our Board of Directors. Your voice, expertise, and passion can make a lasting impact. Learn more and apply to join the movement!🌱
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May reminds us that healing is not linear, support matters, and care takes many forms.
This month, we honor mothers, mother figures, those longing to be mothers, those healing from loss, and those learning to mother themselves. We also remember that nature can be a quiet, steady caregiver — offering space to breathe, reflect, and reconnect.
If you’ve been needing a sign to step outside, slow down, or reach out, this is it. Even one mindful walk can shift your state, your breath, and your perspective.
With gratitude,
P.S. Don’t forget you can still help us build what you actually need. We’re creating something new — and we want it to be useful, accessible, and meaningful to YOU. Take our short community survey and tell us what you want to see.
P.S. Trouble registering for the Challenge platform? Or any other needs? Please reach out to Deva for support! deva@wehiketoheal.org
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