“They say a journey of a thousand miles starts with a single step. One step down, 1 billion to go.” Isaiah Glen Shields posted on his Facebook page back in May as he began his journey of walking across America. While working in corporate finance in Provo, Utah, Shields began reflecting on what his next step in life should be and this sparked an idea. Contemplating what it would be like to walk across America spurred research to find out what it would take, and he found that it is not an impossible task! So, preparations began, as he decided to take the leap, quit his job, and leave home for a walking journey across America.
Family and friends had a variety of reactions when Shields broke the news about his plans. He shared that some people were confused, surprised, joyful, and some were inspired. There were a lot of questions, for example, what is he going to eat? And his response was “granola bars,” which was met with laughs. Stocked with supplies packed into a rolling pushcart, and after learning to fly a drone for his trek, Shields set out from Provo, documenting his steps with a camera attached to his cart. Getting emotional after only 5 minutes on the road, viewers can see and feel the intensity of the moment as he pushes off into the sun. By May 21st, Shields had documented days 1 through 8 as he trailed through Snowville, Utah and posted his first YouTube video about his journey. Among his supplies he has a tent that serves as his little home away from home as he travels.
Shields plans to walk to the Pacific Beach in Washington, then south come wintertime, and eventually make it all the way to Maine. Found 450 miles from home, he was recently spotted in Weiser where a local bought him lunch from McDonald’s. Moving along with a big smile on his face, Shields is proving that when you set your mind to reach a goal, you can accomplish it with one step at a time.
When asked about why he started this journey and what he hopes to get from it, he shared that his life really has not been a hard one, compared to many others who struggle. “Everybody needs to find meaning,” he commented on his video. Shields shared that he is still working the “why” out for himself and feels that he will find more clarity as his expedition progresses. “I’m trying to live in a manner that feels fulfilling and meaningful. I graduated from BYU a couple years ago and worked as a finance analyst for a few firms. While I enjoyed the camaraderie with coworkers and problem solving, I personally felt drawn to experience and understand more of the wide breadth of possible human experiences, and to gain the wisdom that comes from understanding many people’s perspectives,” he explained.
Finding meaning often comes from personal development and Shields thought that seeing the world and meeting new people would help him to develop more empathy and connections with others. He also hopes to develop patience and more kindness as he travels and reflects. “I want to gain wisdom and understand truth and find peace and happiness therein. And become the person I’ve always wanted to be. Lots of cheesy corny stuff!” he joked. He strives to feel more authentic and passionate about what he is doing in life, and isn’t that something we all hope and dream of?
As of today, June 28th, 2021, Shields is approaching the town of Cascade Locks in the Columbia River Gorge in Oregon. He tracks his miles daily and estimates that he has now gone about 915 miles and will surpass 1,000 miles this week.
To follow the journey, friend him on Facebook, follow on Instagram, and subscribe on YouTube! “You Do You” is the channel. Link: You Do You – YouTube
