Outdoor Me
From Sports to Nature
Uncovering a Whole New World
Growing up, sports meant everything to me. My parents enrolled me in every league possible, and I loved it. I played football, basketball, baseball, and more. I was running, jumping, and sweating. It was the perfect way to release my energy and stay fit.
As I grew older, my love for sports continued to grow. I could play basketball at such a high level that many universities recruited me to play for their division one basketball programs. Ultimately I chose to play collegiate basketball alongside my best friend to fulfill a childhood dream. But as my identity shifted beyond sports, I realized there was a part of me still undiscovered. Despite my love of sports, I had never experienced nature. I had never gone hiking, camping, or even spent time in a park. I had always been focused on sports, unaware of what I was missing.
Growing up in a rural community, we lacked access to nature. There were no parks nearby, and the land surrounding us was either private property or farmland, which didn’t leave room for exploration. Only in my junior year in college did I finally have my first outdoor experience. A few friends invited me on a trip to Colorado. I was hesitant to join them on the trip without knowing what to expect. Yet, as soon as we arrived, I was blown away by the beauty of the wilderness.
It was a bit of a culture shock at first. I was used to avoiding spending extended periods outside unless I was training. We spent our days hiking on trails and our nights sitting around the campfire, telling stories, and drinking our choice of beverage. I felt as if I had discovered a whole new world that was as exhilarating as sports but in a completely different way. After that trip, I started to seek out more outdoor experiences. I went on hikes and bike rides and even started fly fishing.
I realized there was something special about being in nature that any sport could not replicate. It was a different kind of challenge that required patience, curiosity, and an appreciation for the world around me. Playing basketball was about competition and winning, but being in nature was about finding a sense of peace and connecting with something bigger than myself.
Of course, I didn’t give up basketball altogether. I still played basketball with my friends but balanced it with outdoor activities. I discovered that the two could complement each other and that being active sometimes meant something other than being in a gym or on a field. My love for sports didn’t fade, but it did evolve. I began seeking opportunities to play sports in natural settings, like playing volleyball in a park or kayaking down a river. I realized I could have the best of both worlds — simultaneously enjoying sports and appreciating nature.
My appreciation for the environment deepened as I spent more time in nature. I noticed the small details, like how tall grass moved in the wind, the sunlight shining through the trees, and the crispness of the air carrying leaves as they tumbled on the ground. My budding care for nature led me to make more sustainable choices in my daily life. I started to recycle more, reduce my use of plastic, and support businesses that prioritized eco-friendly practices. I became more aware of humans’ impact on the environment and started to advocate for environmental causes.
Now I focus on my time and spend it outside whenever possible. Whether fishing, hiking, or playing at the park, I know that being in nature is as essential to my health and well-being as sports are. I’m grateful that I finally discovered that part of myself I had been missing all those years. Playing collegiate basketball was an unforgettable experience. Yet, being in nature taught me so much about myself and the world around me. Today, nature continues to help me to find a sense of peace and calm that was once foreign to me.
Thanks for reading!
