Where Do I Even Start Reconnecting with the Outdoors?

Let’s be honest: deciding to “get outdoors more” is way easier said than done.

After sharing my last post, I sat with the question… Where do I even begin? I haven’t gone camping in years. I don’t own fancy gear. I’m not a hardcore hiker or wilderness pro. But I do know that I miss being outside, really outside, not just walking across campus with headphones in.

So I decided to keep it simple. First, I thought about what “outdoors” even means to me. It doesn’t have to mean climbing cliffs or heading into the backcountry. For me, it’s about slowing down, breathing fresh air, and feeling connected to something bigger. That could be a quiet walk through a local trail, sitting at a campsite with friends, or maybe even hiking in a national park someday.

Then I set a few small, doable goals for the season: go on two hikes, visit one state or national park, and spend a night tent camping. Nothing extreme, just a starting line. I’m not trying to prove anything. I just want to make space for reconnection.

I started researching a bit, without letting it turn into a deep dive. I searched “hikes near me”, and I’ve also been asking friends where they like to go.

When it comes to gear, I’m starting with what I’ve got. Sneakers. A water bottle. Curiosity. That’s enough for now. I’ll learn the rest as I go.

This whole thing feels like a story I’m still writing. Like any good story, it has a beginning, and it doesn’t have to be perfect or impressive. It just has to start.

So if you’ve been feeling the same way, drawn to the outdoors but unsure where to begin; this is your permission to start small. Let’s take one step at a time, get a little lost (in the good way), and figure it out together.

Until next time,
Carlos