In times when social media has become an extension of humanity, turning off the phone and going out into nature has become a necessity.
Don’t believe me? Read this by Nat Geo.
For me, going out into nature and engaging in outdoor activities has become an addiction. But don’t get me wrong.
Think of it like when your phone has low battery; the normal thing would be to plug it into a charger. Well, my charger is nature.
The continuous search for unique places, incredible landscapes, and a connection with nature has become a driving force in my life.
Maybe this is the first time you’re reading me, but if not, you’ve seen me visit many corners of Cuba. Not just to tell the stories of these places, but to connect with myself, connect with my partner, and in that cycle, both of us grow as individuals.
If I had to define my outdoor hobby, it would be stepping out of my comfort zone.
Recently, Galen shared a list of life tips in this post.
Stepping out of the comfort zone was one of them, and I couldn't agree more.
I won’t deny it; on my first trips, many things felt uncomfortable, and I would even question the need for all of it. But now, after each of those trips, I felt like a different person. That’s how it turned from a hobby into an addiction.
But stepping out of the comfort zone is a broad concept, so let’s narrow it down a bit. Here are three activities I enjoy doing outdoors.
1.Hiking
Hiking in places where the terrain is uneven, the paths are undefined, where your feet become your only ally and enemy, is not easy at all. Like everything, starting out is a headache (and a foot pain, of course).
Once you get the hang of it, you realize that it’s not the final destination but the journey. Every step, every path you create, every plant you encounter.
It’s like life; sometimes we’re so focused on achieving something that we forget to live in the present and enjoy the process (no matter how complicated it may be).
Moreover, there’s nothing like seeing when you reach the final destination, and if you could, if you surpassed yourself, but you still have to return. Highly recommended.
Just get out there; don’t set a destination, and definitely don’t set limitations.
2.Swimming
Recently, I’ve tried the coldest waters in my country. I’ve plunged into rivers that might not even appear on maps.
I’ve frozen upon entering and frozen upon exiting. It’s hard to believe that in the Caribbean, the river water is cold. Sometimes it’s refreshing; when the heat reigns, there’s nothing like these baths.
I’m someone who loves warm water (sorry, dermatology professor, I didn’t pay much attention). Arriving at a cold river and diving in without thinking of anything else wasn’t a one-day thing, but it’s an experience you must have.
In this section, I also include the beautiful beaches I’ve been able to discover thanks to stepping out of my comfort zone.
My country has beautiful and well-known beaches like Varadero. But it’s in the lesser-known ones where I’ve found true fun. Those where locals swim, where fishermen seek sustenance for their families.
It’s the ones that don’t appear in the guides that have made me continue turning my hobby into an addiction.
3.Reading
This might sound crazy.
But if you love reading, doing it outdoors is even better.
Imagine this…
An exhausting hike, then a dip in a cold river or an unknown beach. Afterward, you come out, find a nice shady spot, and sit down to read a good story or gain knowledge about nature.
All set to the sounds of nature—nothing from Spotify, nothing pre-recorded.
Just you and nature. The only connection we need.
At home, I’ve tried to recreate a nature-friendly environment. On every trip, I try to pick up a small stone, a plant, something representative of the place, or I simply buy a local souvenir. But I tell you, while it feels great and I have many memories, it doesn’t compare to going out into nature.
If you’ve made it this far, you may have realized that my hobby, my addiction, is TRAVELING.
It’s not something cheap; it’s not something I can do daily, but the pursuit of it, the organization to achieve it, is as enjoyable as the journey itself.
This has allowed me to get to know almost all of my country, and what I haven’t seen, we will discover together.
Yes, we will, because I invite you to follow me and share my travels (well, ours). So welcome aboard! If you love to travel and step out of your comfort zone, we’re already two!
Do you have any tips or ideas that could help me enjoy my travels even more? Is there a routine you follow before, during, or after your trips?
Tell me a bit down below; it will be a pleasure to read your comments.
Read you soon!
I leave you some of my travel post if you like , you know what to do 😉
[dahpilot]
All images in the post are mine own
