Life Lessons from the Great Outdoors

In a world overflowing with distractions and stress, nature remains our greatest teacher, revealing lessons on resilience, courage, and balance. Reflecting back on a transformative adventure from 2011—a journey that began with two moms, four kids, one minivan, and no electronics—it's clear how deeply nature's lessons have impacted our lives.

Months of planning led us to the best camping spots, haunted hotels, and family-friendly hikes across the western states. Amazon was my go-to for car games, and REI provided tips to make the journey enjoyable for the kids. Equipped with CamelBak water bottles, whistles, national park passport books, and hiking poles (one of which mysteriously disappeared in Vegas and I still find myself wondering what the heck happened!), the kids eagerly marked our progress on the back window of the minivan.

This trip was a dream come true. Although my oldest son was on his own life adventure, I wanted my two younger sons, Carson and Christian, to experience the profound benefits of exploring nature. Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods and The Nature Principle, emphasizes that while children can grow up without nature, their development—encompassing attention, learning, creativity, and overall mental health—is significantly enhanced by it.

Nature isn’t just about scenic beauty; it’s a powerful teacher of resilience, boldness, and balance. Consider a tree growing on the edge of a cliff, its roots gripping the rocky surface despite the harsh conditions. This image reminds us that boldness involves stepping out of our comfort zones and facing challenges head-on. Whether tackling a difficult trail or making a significant life decision, nature encourages us to embrace the unknown and take bold actions. These leaps, though intimidating, bring us closer to achieving our goals and discovering new opportunities.

Our journey through long trails, wildlife encounters, and unpredictable weather taught us essential survival skills and the importance of perseverance. Mornings were greeted with awe as we witnessed breathtaking sunrises. One vivid memory is from a 10-mile trail in Glacier National Park, where even when exhaustion set in, Christian's determination never wavered. I swear, those little legs never stopped moving. The sight of the clearest blue lake after our long and challenging hike was a sweet reward that made the effort worthwhile.

Nature’s resilience is evident everywhere. Trees bend in strong winds but remain upright; rivers swell with rain but keep flowing. These natural examples teach us that resilience is about adapting and bouncing back, not avoiding difficulties. In our own lives, resilience means handling tough situations with flexibility and strength. Like a tree that withstands a storm, we can learn to face life’s challenges with grace and perseverance. By staying grounded and adapting to changes, we become more capable of overcoming obstacles.

13 years later, the impact of that trip is even clearer. My niece, Grace, then 12, conquered Angels Landing in Zion National Park, an experience that ignited a lifelong passion for hiking. She has now completed many adventures, hundreds, maybe even thousands of miles, by my side or out with others. My son, Carson, and nephew, Jared, both 10 at the time, embraced new experiences as cousins and best friends. My other son, Christian, who turned five while we were on Angels Crest in Zion, learned the value of self-trust and respect for nature. Each child emerged from this adventure more independent, compassionate, and adventurous.

Just two years later, in 2013, when my marriage ended, the strength we gained from that road trip helped us navigate through a challenging period of redefining our family. The lessons of perseverance and support learned on the road became our anchor.

Several years later, the COVID-19 pandemic brought new challenges—disrupting milestones like graduations and sports events and forcing us to adapt once again. Grace lived with us after her study abroad program ended abruptly. Despite the changes, we turned to nature for solace. Hiking trails, poppy fields, and bioluminescent waters became our new normal, offering a sense of peace amidst chaos.

Richard Louv’s insight rings true: society’s drift from nature has profound consequences. Yet, even when faced with uncertainty, we can choose how we respond. By reconnecting with nature, we find clarity, simplicity, and a reminder of what it truly means to live.

As we navigate stressful times, let’s remember to immerse ourselves and our children in nature. It's where we rediscover peace, resilience, and the essence of living fully.?

My challenge to you: Step outside, take a deep breath, and let nature remind you of your own strength and potential. In the great outdoors, you'll discover the wisdom and inspiration to live fully and courageously.

Looking for a motivating speaker to boldly move forward in your organization or business??

Choose from one of these topics:

• Descend to Ascend: Navigating the Corporate Landscape with Resilience, Leadership,?and Vision?
• Walk Through Leadership Building High-Performing Teams That Make Bold Moves Together?

• Walk Through This* Unlocking Resilience and Growth in the Face of Change?

*Based on Sara’s bestselling book, Walk Through This.

Message me and let’s create!

Ring my bell in my LinkedIn profile for daily motivation and learning.

And please, forward this to anyone who you think could use what is here.

Have a beautiful day!

xo

Sara