As we enter the digital age of living, it becomes easier to find ourselves looking at screens more often than we look at the world. It's understandable. When we look up we notice chaos, conflict or just a lot of concrete. Although it seems easier to spend an afternoon doom-scrolling Pinterest and Instagram to see how everyone else is living their lives, it always takes away from our own. When you've closed the app and reopened it immediately, that's when you can take the hint that it's time to do something else.
For me, taking a trip to the outdoors to clear my mind is like hitting a reset button. It might be easier for me to get up and go, though. I've had more than four years of experience in picking up and ditching the city for the views that California has to offer.
Within the following four years, I led a troop of about 25 girls snowboarding down the San Bernardino mountains, canoeing around Catalina Island, rock climbing outside LA and innumerable other adventures. Additionally, I taught Lifesaving, Swimming, First Aid and boating activities for two summers at a camp next to Lake Arrowhead. I didn't end up becoming the first female Eagle Scout, because there wasn’t a first female Eagle Scout. Instead, I joined the Inaugural Class of Female Eagle Scouts, and I can tell you that standing alongside these like-minded ladies is a much greater treasure.
These experiences taught me a lot of valuable skills, and if I can spread the knowledge I gained from this organization, then by all means I will. The world doesn't have to be only concrete and cityscape for the youth in San Diego. Over this past summer, I’ve realized the stark difference between 30 minutes of hiking and 30 minutes of watching Tiktoks. I still find myself escaping into my phone while waiting in line for my order instead of interacting or just taking a quiet moment to myself, but I like to remind myself that there is so much to see and not enough time to see it.
If this sounds interesting to you, it's time to straighten your back and start imagining your next adventure. It doesn't need to be Fiji or Spain, and in fact, if it's been a while since you've stretched those bones, then a day hike through sunny San Diego is an ideal place to start. The steps are simple, the preparation is minimal, and the rewards will astound you.
Lastly, in an ironic and optimistic spin, the trappings of the digital age have become tools for us to break free from the cages of targeted media and into the wonders of the natural world. We are truly lucky to be alive in a time when our apps can inform us of the weather conditions, the duration of a day hike, what a venomous snake bite looks like (although hopefully we don't need that knowledge) and anything else you may have questions about.
Since it's never been easier than now, let's use these tools to strengthen our bodies and spirits, and get out there into the world!
Hello Amy, Your blog spiked my interest because I'm from Monterey County where we have some of the best hiking trails like Big Sur. There are two statements that I liked and connected too., "I can tell you that we often find the answers we search for, but we can leave with greater treasures than what we first had in mind. These treasures don’t fall into our laps though, we have to put in some amount of work". This is such a good saying in the past I have traveled to the forest myself searching for answers. I found them when I was alone connecting with nature. Another statement was, "Challenge yourself to spend time outdoors, and follow your gut and your curiosity". That is great because following your gut is important. It is our intention that leads us to make the right decision. Overall great post thank you for sharing.
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