One of the most useful things my parents instilled in me is an appreciation for spending time outdoors. It’s a simple trait that has had such a profound impact on my life. It has kept me happy, healthy, and even financially stable.
When I was growing up, our weekends and vacations were spent hiking, canoeing, and gardening. We didn’t get candy at the movie theater—we didn’t even go to the movie theater—but we picked wild blueberries and raspberries right off the bushes and popped them in our mouths. After Thanksgiving dinner, we would always go on a long walk in my grandmother’s wooded neighborhood. Last Thanksgiving, we went on a nine-mile hike in Blue Hills Reservation.
In college, instead of drinking myself sick at frat parties like most kids, I spent my free time with friends swimming in gorges, exploring rooftops, roasting marshmallows over campfires, and having fall harvest picnics. (It helped that we were in beautiful Ithaca.) Yes, I was a dork, but I don’t feel that I missed out on anything important.
Now, when I know I need exercise, or time to recharge and relax, I know exactly where to turn. I go for a run or bike ride outside, I bring a book or sandwich to the park and enjoy the view. This natural penchant for the outdoors wards off depression, helps me save money while enjoying life, and gives me fuel for this blog—and will one day make me a content old person.
