The Rise of Clay Nemo

Clay Nemo is simple. Clay, like the material used for pottery, can be malleable and designed for its creators to use to shape it into the exact shape desired. Nothing more, nothing less.

Nemo, originates from Latin, which translates to «No One», and it has felt like my entire life up to this point. I am no one special, just another ant in the colony that is overlooked as a whole, contributing but never seen, working tirelessly without being mentioned and existing without recognition. I am more than that, but I need to take control and be someone else.

Evolving

Today is March 3, 2026, the beginning of my hike on the Appalachian Trail, my fourth long-distance hike, and this hike is more than just a hike, it’s a transformation into the man I want to be. Not just living day to day, without being recognized and discarded by almost everyone. I am more than that, but it is time to stop living as if I simply exist and start living with purpose, with desire, and to propel myself forward.

When I set foot on Approach Trail at Amicalola Falls State Park and head to Maine, will I become the man I want to be? Probably not completely, but I have to start somewhere. This walk is more than just a walk in the woods, it is the first chapter of my life where I focus solely on myself and the things I want to achieve.

I have always felt that I have lived for others, trying to please others in the hope that one day I will be recognized as someone who deserves love, affection and that I am worth something. I’m tired. I think too much. I trust people more than myself. I think most people are good. It’s time to focus solely on myself, on what I really want and need to feel complete and it starts today.

The future I want begins by forgetting the past.

Everything you have done that has led you to who you are now cannot be undone, but everything from this moment on can determine your future and who you will become. We are not bound by our past mistakes, our past choices, but we are bound by what we choose to do at this exact moment. Changing your entire way of life is not easy, reworking your entire identity will take work and I will have a minimum of 2200 miles to change who I am now in the hopes of being someone on the other side.

If 2200 miles isn’t enough, I’ll continue until I feel like my time has been enough.

March 3, 2026

Today is the day. Surprisingly, there are no emotions, no heart beating with excitement, no fear of the unknown. The mind is calm, the body is rested and the soul is determined.

There is no doubt that I will make it to Maine, there is no time limit, there are no expectations, no planning has gone into this hike except the planning that has been necessary to get me to the trail.

I start new today. I have already started to abandon my everyday lifestyle, abandoning social media almost completely, eliminating any type of opinion or political participation when people bring up that topic, and today I end my fight against nicotine addiction. Cold turkey.

I originally wanted to walk fast, walk hard, and put in those miles, but standing here, backpack loaded, and focusing on myself, there is no deadline for me or anyone else. I am here for me and for my enjoyment.

I had to rehome my goats, dogs and left everything at home not knowing if I will return or if everything will be gone when I return. I don’t know what to expect and I don’t know right now exactly what I’m doing, but I am doing it. This walk has a purpose, but it may well be the end of everything I ever knew. I don’t know and I find beauty in not trying to figure it all out. My purpose now is for myself and now I must take steps forward and figure it all out as I go.

From now on, these posts will be about the trail and the stories that I find rewarding to me.

Clay Nemo – Start

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