I’ve had people question my intentions of going out on adventures, especially outdoor solo travels.

“You’re running away.”

“You’re escaping.”

“You’re fleeing from real life.”

They’re not always wrong.

Some of the times I’ve gone backpacking, or kayaking, or back country camping or climbing, I’ve gone because I’ve wanted an escape from my everyday life.

BUT there are times when I NEED to get away.

You see, working in a profession where I’m expected to give, give, give everyday (I’m a special ed. teacher), there are times when I need to replenish my cup to continue giving.

Being outside, getting away from people (except other like-minded outdoor adrenaline junkies like myself) lets me recharge.

After a hard week of teaching the neediest of scholars, I feel overwhelmed, overstimulated and need to get outside, in nature, and get back in touch with me.

In the outdoors, my ego is stripped down and my true authentic self can emerge. This is when I am at my most happiest. This is when I am my most raw. This is when my inner voice is loudest. This is when I heal. This is how I recharge…until  the next time I can go out into the wilderness, to lose my mind and find my soul.