Have you ever traveled to a destination that feels so perfect that you never want to leave? That’s me almost everywhere I go. I always dream up an alternate life in different locations—near the sea, in the countryside, on a mountain, or off the grid in a rainforest. What I’m drawn to is the same everywhere I go — the proverbial great outdoors. The sun, the stars, the wind, the land, the water, the animals, the change of the seasons, and every natural gift Earth has to offer.
This year, I’ve begun tracking my time spent outdoors using the 1000 Hours Outside (1KHO) tracker app. The 1KHO podcast, hosted by Ginny Yurich, has been a major reminder that just being outside can melt away stress and help us to feel happier. Ginny’s work has been the inspiration behind why I’ve begun prioritizing time spent in nature over the last handful of years.
I love visiting the icy springs in the center of Florida. Well, they aren’t exactly icy since they stay 72 degrees year-round. But the juxtaposition of swimming in that cold water while the Florida summer heat soars to a sweltering 95 degrees creates a stark contrast that makes the water feel incredibly welcome and refreshing.
This week we visited Ocala National Forest. We hiked and swam in both Juniper Springs and Silver Glen Springs. Each spot was so uniquely beautiful with crystal clear, aquamarine waters that sparkled as though from a fairy tale. In the forest, we saw massive spiders and even black bears, and in the springs, we swam among massive blue fish and little cute silver fish.
We kayaked in Silver Springs State Park as otters splashed and twirled alongside our clear-bottom paddle craft, and we saw more alligators up close than I care to remember. Immersing myself in these scenes brings me so much joy, and after these adventures, I’ve clocked 250 hours spent outside in 2024. What an accomplishment! I won’t achieve 1000 hours outdoors this year, but I’m still excited that I have intentionally set out to spend time in nature all year.
Part of living an Unjaded life is penciling in time for healthy activities that spark joy — especially amidst the beauty of the great outdoors. One way to know you’re enjoying your nature adventure is when you start planning your next trip before the current one ends. What outdoor activities are on your mini bucket list? Share your plans and let’s inspire each other to spend more time in the arms of Mother Nature herself.