Right out of college, I moved back to my hometown and landed what I thought was my dream job. It didn’t take long—maybe a year and a half—for me to realize that “dream job” was just a fancy label I’d put on something that didn’t fit at all. Eventually, I did what most people told me not to do: I quit without having another job lined up.
It was terrifying.
My wife and I were young, our oldest had just learned to walk, and my wife was pregnant with our second. Every part of me wondered whether I’d made the biggest mistake of my life.
But before I quit, we had already planned a road trip along the North Shore Drive on Lake Superior. Even though common sense said, “Maybe cancel the vacation until you have an income again,” we went anyway.
And I’m so grateful we did.
That trip became a turning point—time away from the noise, space to think clearly, and a reminder that perspective sometimes shows up only when you remove yourself from the stress.
Camping, Toddlers, and Questionable Timing
I won’t lie: taking a road trip with a one-year-old doesn’t sound like a recipe for peace and clarity. But it worked. Our son has always been easygoing, and to him, long car rides were just extended snack sessions with occasional naps.
I had traveled the North Shore growing up, and I wanted my wife and son to see the beauty I remembered. We packed the tent, loaded the car, and hopped from campground to campground. Yes—camping with a pregnant wife and a toddler might sound questionable, but our tent fit a pack-and-play perfectly, and she and I were still young enough to survive sleeping on an air mattress. She’s a rock star, truly.
Chasing Waterfalls (All 17 of Them)
One of my favorite things about the North Shore is the sheer number of waterfalls—roughly 17 of them between Duluth and the Canadian border. And we saw most of them.
Gooseberry Falls
A series of four main waterfalls (and a fifth if you’re willing to hike a little farther). The middle falls are the most iconic, but what I loved most was being able to climb right on the rocks. Because it was August, the run-off had slowed, making the falls easier to explore. There’s something grounding about being so close to the water—climbing, listening, letting the spray hit your face.
Devil’s Kettle
This is the spot where the river seems to just… vanish. For years, no one could say with confidence where the water went after it dropped into that deep, swirling pothole. It felt like standing in front of a natural magic trick—mesmerizing, a little strange, and completely unsolved. Then, in 2017, the Minnesota DNR confirmed that the water actually sneaks back into the river downstream. Practical, tidy, and not nearly as exciting. Honestly, part of me misses the mystery. But even with the mystery solved, the waterfall itself is still absolutely worth the stop—powerful, unique, and one of those places that stays with you long after you’ve walked away.
Pie Therapy at Betty’s Pies
A highlight I absolutely cannot skip: Betty’s Pies.
Just north of Two Harbors, right off the main road, sits a place that can only be described as heaven for people who think dessert is a spiritual experience. Cream pies, fruit pies, nut pies—you name it. I wasn’t about to limit myself to one, so I sampled several. No regrets. Well… one regret. The regret of not bringing a second stomach.
A long hike afterward felt less like exercise and more like repentance.
The Reset That Carried Me Forward
Overall, this trip became exactly what my heart needed, even if I didn’t realize it at the time. North Shore Drive truly became a place where stress lifted, and perspective returned. Stepping away from the pressure, even briefly, allowed me to think clearly again. When we got home, I hit the ground running, and within a month, I had found a job I grew to love — one I stayed with for nine years.
Taking a trip right after leaving a job isn’t always financially realistic. But even a short getaway — a day, an afternoon, a few quiet hours — can give you the distance you need to breathe, to think, and to make decisions from a grounded place rather than a fearful one. When you step away from the noise, even briefly, clarity has a chance to rise to the surface.
Reflections
- What emotions tend to take over when you’re under pressure — and how do you usually respond?
- When life gets stressful, what helps you regulate your emotions so you can make wise decisions?
- What practices help you reconnect with what truly matters to you and your family?
- Where is a place (near or far) that helps you reset your mind and regain perspective?
Next Steps
• Schedule a Small Escape
You don’t need a full road trip to find clarity. Set aside an afternoon to visit a place that brings you peace — a lake, a trail, a quiet coffee shop, or even a scenic drive. Let your mind breathe.
• Step Back Before Deciding
The next time you face a stressful decision, pause. Take a walk, sleep on it, or talk it through with someone you trust. Distance often brings wisdom.
• Notice What Grounds You
Pay attention to what helps your emotions settle — journaling, prayer, deep conversation, nature, music, or movement. Use those tools regularly, not just in crisis.
• Create Space for Your People
Just like the North Shore trip helped me focus on my young family, choose one way this week to be intentionally present with the people who matter most to you.
• Capture Your Turning Points
Write down the moments — big or small — that shift your perspective. Naming them helps you see how far you’ve come and where you want to go next.
