Finding Beauty Close to Home

Everyone has a place where they go to think or decompress. A place that in their mind, embodies a serene break from the stresses of everyday life. You might break out a good book, catch up with a friend, or walk your dog here. But where are these places? Are they local, or in your backyard? Do they entail a four hour drive to green covered mountains down south, or rocky waterfalls up north?

I happen to believe that though these far away places can be that for some people, I find a special kind of calm from hidden gems close to home. I'm a firm believer in taking the time out to explore and discover more of your own hometown and the natural areas surrounding it. You might actually find some small, quiet place to go. I know I did.

It is easy to feel like home doesn't have beautiful places, considering you can see so many of them plastered on Instagram feeds and Pinterest accounts. It makes us feel like our little slice of paradise is not worthy of these sites. But why? Beauty is everywhere.

These photos were taken in Fort Mott State Park, New Jersey

During this time of extreme change in my life,  I found myself searching for more wild, quiet places that I could go to when I felt stressed. I wanted to make sure that it didn't involve driving hours long when I needed a nature fix. I made a conscious effort to let go of the idea that there weren't any places I could go that could compare to some of my favorite spaces hours away. So, I started to think about my hometown as an outsider. Where would I go if I've never been here before? The first thing I did was search for parks or protected land that had trails open to the public. I was surprised to find places that I've been to before DID have trails that I've never seen. How could I have ignored these? I've lived close by all of my life! I think it's because I wasn't looking. I was too caught up in the beauty of places that I strive to travel to, not the ones readily available just a few minutes down the road.

Three steps to finding beauty close to home:

1.  Search for State Parks, or BLM (bureau of land management) in your area. 
2. Look for historical sites, wildlife management areas, or land managed by other government agencies like Fish and Wildlife. These places often have trails, docks, or beaches open to the public during daytime hours and until sunset. 
3.  If you're looking for trails specifically, use a website like All Trails.  (I use this whenever I go to a new city, too) Just enter your city and search away, you might be surprised at the beauty so close to home.  
4. Don't forget to check your backyard. 

"When searching for happiness be sure not to over look the little moments in life, because often times that is where it lingers the most..."

-Nicole Moon

(These photos are all shot on an iPhone, camera replacement coming soon)

Get Out and Move On: The Heartbreak Edition

Welcome to my first post! I just want to start by saying that although this post is about my own personal experiences with love and loss, I know this post can resonate with anyone dealing with struggles in their work, home, or daily life. I want my blog to be a place that those who love the outdoors can come to and find similar ideas and feelings. Now let's get into it.

 I'm not a very emotional person (outside of the animal version, which I'll save for another post) however, a few weeks ago I found myself dealing with a complete life change: I ended a six year relationship with my boyfriend. This relationship guided me through many milestones and times in my life where I felt that without it, I wasn't myself anymore. How can you go from being a package deal for so long, to single and alone in just a few days? It was debilitating.

 I think we can all relate to that in some way, whether it be work, school, or romantic relationships. You are not your job, just like you are not your relationship. Though I found my passion for the outdoors in this relationship, I also experienced a common theme in my life: mental illness. Without saying too much, I'll just state here that I have had experiences in the depression department throughout my family, and then in my relationship. This was different. This was a drowning depression, one that made me question my own mental health, my decisions, and my memories from the last 6+ years.

That being said, once I started to let go of the idea that I needed this relationship to be myself, I starting seeing changes. I started going back outside, visiting friends, traveling, and jumping back into the outdoor realm that I love. I can't tell you how many times I've denied amazing opportunities and experiences because of my relationship, and it felt so great to just say "yes" to all of them coming my way.

Outside, I feel like myself again. I drive hours away to less visited trails and leash my dog for a day of hiking, and find myself again. I walk along the trail without reservation, without worrying about the time, and without the sound of another. I can really hear things now: the birds chirping, the buzzing of bugs on wildflowers, all of it. The sky becomes clearer, just like my mind. It's something I didn't know I was missing, despite the hundreds of miles I've hiked before.

This also gives me the chance to think without distractions. The sun on my face is a calming presence, whispering "everything will be fine," The wind an encouraging force shouting "You can!" at the unsure and small voice in my mind. These wild places are a refuge to my mind and soul, a constant reminder to let go and push forward. So get outside, and move on one step at a time. 

These photos were taken at Maurice River Bluffs Nature Preserve in Millville, New Jersey.