Forward, Upward, Onward: Life lessons from 48 mountains about love, discipline, determination, goals, habits, mindfulness, character, and confidence

You Don’t Have to Have It All Figured Out. Just Take the Next Step.

In Forward, Upward, Onward, Matt Landry shares the story of what happened when he stopped running from his struggles, and started walking straight into them, one mountain at a time.

As he approached midlife, Matt found himself weighed down by regret, self-doubt, and a quiet but persistent sense that something was missing. Depression had crept in before, and the fear of slipping back there was real. So he made a decision that felt equal parts irrational and necessary: climb all forty-eight of New Hampshire’s 4,000-foot mountains.

What began as a physical challenge quickly became something much deeper.

On steep trails and long, lonely climbs, Matt confronted old wounds, limiting beliefs, and the stories he’d been telling himself for years. The mountains didn’t fix everything, but they taught him how to keep going, how to rebuild trust in himself, and how to move forward even when the path felt overwhelming.

This book isn’t about conquering peaks. It’s about learning how to stand back up when life knocks you down.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, lost, or unsure of what comes next, Forward, Upward, Onward is a reminder that healing doesn’t require perfection, just the courage to take the next step.

If this story resonates, it’s because it’s meant for you!

"What a delight I found in the journey he shares with us! It's far more than a journey through the 48 although I did some reminiscing of my own hikes while reading. It's a journey of goal setting and moving our life forward, upward and onward."
Randy Pierce - Advocate for the sight-impaired and blind hiker who climbed all 48 peaks in a single Winter Season
 
"Following along with Matt's quest as I read, I found myself on several occasions nodding my head with empathy and understanding. What an enjoyable story about an equally enjoyable adventure."
Mike Cherim - Owner: Redline Guiding - NH Guiding Agency
 
"A very warm, uplifting, at times entertaining read that I would definitely recommend if you need a book to make you feel good about life, love and all the other small stuff that accompanies you on the journey."
Scott Allan - Author of "Do It Scared" and "Empower Your Life"
 
"I loved reading this book and following Matt's journey through the 48. After doing them a few times myself it's a great book for reflection through another person's eyes. I can also see how this book would be an inspiration for those tackling this amazing adventure. I HIGHLY recommend it!"
Amy Dalrymple
 
"The author shares his thoughts and the life-lessons that the mountains and the outdoors have taught him. This is the kind of book you can either dig in and finish in one sitting or take your time and dip in when you feel the need for nature and fresh air. The author shares some wonderful yet simple perspectives on life. Most engaging!"
Maria McMahon