The Trail That Gives You Your Life Back: How Nature Heals What the Job Takes

Finding Freedom on the Trail: A Message to First Responders from Cinnamon

This week’s conversation with Lieutenant Michael Slocum of the Painesville Police Department and Frontline Freedom was a breath of fresh air—literally and figuratively. I want to take a moment to reflect on what we discussed, why it matters, and how the lessons from Michael’s journey can inspire all of us in the first responder community.

The Weight First Responders Carry—And How To Set It Down

Let’s be honest: the job is heavy. Whether you’re in law enforcement, fire, EMS, dispatch, corrections, or nursing, you know the unique stressors that come with serving on the front lines. The calls blur together, the adrenaline spikes and crashes, and the emotional residue of what we see and do can be hard to shake. We’re trained to be strong, to push through, to “just deal with it.” But what happens when the weight gets too much? How do we find space to breathe, to process, to reconnect with ourselves and our purpose?

That’s where Michael’s story—and the mission of Frontline Freedom—comes in.

Listen to the full episode here. https://www.afterthetonesdrop.co/michael-slocum

From the Beat to the Backcountry

Michael Slocum is not just an active lieutenant; he’s a leader who’s walked the walk. He grew up in a law enforcement family, joined the Boy Scouts at 12, and has spent over two decades serving his community in Painesville, Ohio. Like so many of us, he’s seen the best and worst of humanity, and he’s felt the toll that comes with the badge.

But what sets Michael apart is how he’s chosen to respond to that toll. Instead of letting the job define him, he’s found a way to reclaim his sense of self—by heading outdoors, strapping on a backpack, and hitting the trail.

During our conversation, Michael shared how backpacking became his lifeline. After a particularly challenging period in his life and career, he realized he needed something more than just “getting by.” He needed to reconnect with the parts of himself that the job had pushed aside: curiosity, adventure, and a sense of wonder. The solution? Nature.

The Power of Adventure Therapy

Frontline Freedom, the nonprofit Michael helps lead, is built on a simple but powerful idea: getting first responders and veterans out into nature, away from the noise and routine, and into an environment where they can truly decompress. These aren’t just casual walks in the park—these are guided backpacking trips, often in some of the most beautiful and challenging terrain the country has to offer.

What makes these trips special isn’t just the scenery (though, trust me, the views are incredible). It’s the experience of stepping outside your comfort zone, shutting down the mental “tabs” that are always open, and being present in the moment. Michael described it perfectly: “When we get to the trailhead, our minds are like an open internet browser with a hundred tabs. But as we hike, those tabs start to close. You’re forced to focus on the here and now—where you’re stepping, and most importantly what you’re hearing, how you’re feeling.”

For many participants, this is the first time in years they’ve truly been able to relax. The trail demands your attention, but it also gives you space to process, to reflect, and to heal. And you’re not alone (you’re surrounded by peers who get it), who know what it’s like to carry the weight, and who are there to support each other.

Transformation Beyond the Uniform

One of the most inspiring parts of our conversation was hearing about the transformations Michael has witnessed. He told the story of a fellow officer who, after his first backpacking trip, couldn’t stop talking about seeing the Milky Way for the first time in years and went on to lose 50 pounds after being inspired by the experience. These aren’t just one-off stories—they’re examples of how adventure, challenge, and community can spark real, lasting change.

Michael emphasized that these trips aren’t about being the fastest or the strongest. They’re about showing up, being willing to try something new, and allowing yourself to be vulnerable. The mountains don’t care about your rank or your resume—they’ll humble you, but they’ll also remind you of your strength.

How to Get Involved

If you’re a first responder or veteran and you’re feeling the weight, I can’t recommend Frontline Freedom enough. Their trips are basically free (because of donations), all the gear is provided, and the guides are all volunteers who have walked in your shoes. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a total beginner, there’s a place for you.

You can learn more, register for a trip, or donate to support their mission at frontlinefreedom.org. And if you’re interested in helping out—especially if you’re a woman or from a non-law enforcement background—they’re always looking to expand their team of guides and volunteers.

A Challenge to the Community

As Michael and I discussed, it’s easy to fall into a routine of mediocrity—just surviving, just getting through the next shift. But you deserve more than that. You deserve to thrive, to find joy, to reconnect with the parts of yourself that make life worth living. Sometimes, that means stepping outside your comfort zone and into the wild.

So here’s my challenge to you: Take a step. Whether it’s signing up for a trip, going for a walk in the woods, or just reaching out to a peer, do something that reminds you of your own strength and resilience. You’re more than your uniform. You’re more than your job. And you’re not alone.

Listen to episode 135 here. https://www.afterthetonesdrop.co/michael-slocum

Stay safe, stay strong, and I’ll see you on the trail.