Releasing the Warrior Within: How Axe Throwing Became My Emotional Outlet

I recently embarked on a new adventure: axe throwing. As a Norwegian with a hint of Viking heritage coursing through my veins, I was drawn to this activity as a means to tap into my inner warrior spirit and, let's be honest, to revel in the thrill of feeling like an absolute badass.

But what surprised me was how much more it became than just a rush of adrenaline or a way to channel my inner Viking. Axe throwing turned into a cathartic release for my stress, anxiety, and emotions in the most raw, tangible way possible. Each throw wasn't just about hitting a target; it was about letting go of the tension that had built up in my mind and body. It was as though I was taking all the stuff that weighs me down, balling it up, and hurling it through the air.

With every axe I released, there was a kind of freedom—a moment where I'm not just throwing an object but also throwing off layers of frustration, doubt, and whatever other emotions have been gnawing at me. When the blade hit the target and the wood splintered, I felt a surge of relief, like all that crap I've been holding in is finally cracking open and getting left behind.

The act itself has this perfect mix of focus and aggression. You have to channel all your energy into that swing, but in the process, you’re also channeling out all the chaos in your head. And let me tell you, when you’re pissed off, stressed out, or just overwhelmed, watching that axe bury itself into the wood? It’s satisfying as hell.

Sometimes I miss the target entirely, and those moments hit hard because they mirror what’s going on in my life—when I’m scattered, when my mind is too damn full, it shows. But in those missed throws, I learned not to beat myself up. I came to realize that perfection isn’t the goal, either in axe throwing or in life. It’s about the release, about showing up with all my mess and swinging anyway.

Axe throwing became a powerful way for me to confront my emotions head-on. Instead of letting them fester, I had a physical outlet, something that forced me to be present, grounded, and authentic. And every time I picked up that axe, it served as a reminder to stop carrying everyone else’s expectations and just focus on what I need to release.

I’m already looking forward to the next time I get to pick up that axe and let it fly. There’s something exhilarating about knowing that I’ve found a way to confront my emotions head-on, with all their messiness, and release them in such a raw, powerful way. I can’t wait to feel that thud in the wood again, knowing I’m leaving behind whatever has been weighing me down.

How about you? What’s your outlet? How do you release and confront your emotions head-on? I'd love to hear how you find your own sense of freedom and clarity.