Matt Galland admits that there are a handful of moments in his life, where time stood still just long enough for him to pause and ask, “How did I get myself into this situation?” He specifically mentions a time in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah, during the darkest hours of the Wasatch 100 Mile Endurance Run. It was 2 AM at mile 86 and after 24 hours of non-stop running, his body was beginning to shut down. “Lack of sleep, dehydration, calorie depletion, and sunburn had me on my knees. A huge part of me wanted to quit, vomit, then fall asleep right there on the mountain. But, my goal of 100 miles had not been reached, and to be honest, this kind of pain and adventure is what made me feel alive!” Matt said regarding this experience. He then found the strength to pick himself up and cross the finish line three hours later.

Matt Galland is a true outdoor enthusiast, who “loves nature in all shapes and forms”. He is passionate about living his life on the wild side and participates in all activities that take place in the great outdoors. Here are a few steps that he recommends you take towards letting your passions enrich your life:

• Embrace being uncomfortable

Being out in the wild is hardly a “comfort zone” kind of place. It’s either too hot or too cold, and too wet or too dry. Goldilocks is hard to find in nature and the sooner you can be at peace with that, the sooner you can really appreciate nature for what she is.

• Be okay with plans changing by the minute

Rarely does a well-planned adventure go the way you intended. It always seems as though nature gets her way and makes things difficult. But, if you expect that and go with the flow, then being in the wild will truly live up to its name.

• Don’t be afraid

That doesn’t mean you be reckless and go do something dangerous. It does mean you be adventurous by trying to do things you’ve never done before. Don’t be afraid to try something new. Run longer than you think you can and get off the trial to see something you’ve never seen before.

There are some people who might ask, “So, why do it?” Matt lives his life pushing the limits in the wild and not even he always has a clear answer for why. However, to that question Matt replies, “Find something you truly love, something you are truly passionate about. Whatever that is, let it enrich your life!” For Matt, that is finding happiness in nature and living his life on the wild side. Find whatever that may be for you, and use his inspiration to embrace being uncomfortable, go with the flow, and stop being afraid to try something new.

Follow along with Matt and his adventures in the wild here: @matt_galland

He also has a YouTube channel that you can find here: mattinthewildcom