What keeps you coming back to the outdoors? This is the wrong question!

It takes all of my inner strength to have the discipline to be responsible to come inside and do some “indoor” time, as to allow the freedom to enjoy the outdoors. I need no motivation as it is a natural state of being. Outside I am alive. I am aware. I am me. I ride my bike year ‘round because I can, because I’d have it no other way. I walk to get my groceries, because I have the chance and ability to. I let my feet get wet when I run, because there is water on the ground. Epic adventures can happen every day if you let them, or take them on. Breathe in the experience. It is the spice of life.

This is me as an adult, but it has never been any different. The inspiration has always been there. My father probably encouraged it when I was very small, going about our Sunday afternoon “give mom a break” activities. Fishing, hiking, paddling, skiing, skating, cycling, walking, exploring - outside time was happy time. As I got older and more independent, I took to heading out on seemingly long escapades on my bike, or at the cottage, big treks into the woods or in the canoe…alone. Alone because it was just me and nature, and I liked that…and alone because nobody around seemed to have the same calling, alone because nature was un-interrupted. I could hear it, smell it…and even taste it. I’d sometimes barely make it home for dinner and it was a fight to get me to come inside for bath time or bed. There were weeks at the cottage where my brother and I camped out and kept our campfire going while the rest of the family enjoyed the anmenities of being inside a cozy house. I loved watching the beavers play in the water at night and listening to the frogs while everyone was asleep. I loved the caked in dirt under my fingernails from scrounging up kindling.
Im glad nothing has changed. This bug of mine has allowed me to wear many shoes and taken me many places, all in the name of listening to my inner voice and living my life as intended. It is a constant in my life right up there with eating, sleeping and breathing. I’d have it no other way. Thanks Dad, maybe I’m just like you afterall!