Finding What Works: Wanderlusting to Better Mental Health

Wanderlust has become a word at which more “serious” people roll their eyes. In a world filled #Wanderlust, the word has seemingly become this term that has very little meaning anymore. I’ve heard plenty of people mocking those who use or identify with the term

But if you look past the posts and over usage and consider it’s true meaning, you might see a person or situation in a different light.

Bonding with a horse in The National Mall in Washington, DC

Ever since I could remember I felt like I was supposed to be somewhere else. I longed for adventures and exploration. I yearn to be elsewhere. So much so that I never feel quite settled in wherever I live. I’ve always got an eye out for some place that would be better suited, some place that will make me feel at home finally.

Honestly, if I didn’t have so much stuff, coupled with a heavy serving of anxiety, I’d likely never sit still. I’d be on the road or in a plane just trying to explore new places, cultures, and languages.

Part of me dreams of that life in a way that will always make me carry a small token of sadness with me.

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Navigating Middle Age: Forties, Anxiety, and Hiking, Oh My!

When I began thinking about starting a blog, I couldn’t decide which interest I wanted to focus on, but over the past few years, if there’s anything I learned, it’s that you have to celebrate your everyday adventures. I don’t necessarily lead an incredibly inspiring or adventurous life, but as I considered this, I realized that it’s likely that most people don’t.

Enjoying my favorite cider whilst kayaking.

For many people, travel is a luxury that they cannot afford. Throughout my life, it was the same for me. I still scrounged and saved to make it happen, but there was always a a sense of sacrifice in travelling, even though it brought so much happiness. When I see Instagram accounts urging people to quit their jobs and travel for a year, I immediately think of that viral TikTok response where a woman interrupts to tell you the video is not speaking to you.

It’s not feasible for most to do that. It’s a dream and a wonderful idea, but not something the average person can achieve. So, I dreamed up this blog, which is for the people who dream of travel, who manage to save and take one trip a year (or less). It’s not about grand trips or #vanlife (though both are amazingly fantastic).

Instead my blog will be a more personalized account of navigating my journey through life. My focus will be on travel adventures, hikes, and some silliness along the way, and I will also focus on mental health and personal well-being.

Over the past several years, I have gone through many ups and downs, and I’ve found that it’s so important to take stock of what’s great in your life so you’re able to survive it. And beyond that, you have to work to create a life that you’re not simply “surviving” but enjoying. Next year, I turn 40, and the true realization of that came to me last year. However, it spurred something completely unexpected… a new adventure.

Continue reading “Navigating Middle Age: Forties, Anxiety, and Hiking, Oh My!”