I love the My Adventure Challenges, and I am proud to have completed the 365 and two seasonal challenges. More to come!
My Aventure Challenges may seem like something for super hikers. While I'm sure anyone who does a lot of hiking could find enjoyment in this program, it is also a great way for those of us who don't think of ourselves as hikers or who haven't hiked in a long time to have some really wonderful outdoor experiences. Many of my hikes were in urban settings -- some included great public gardens and parks, others took me to previously unexplored neighborhoods. Some were walks through relatively familiar places looking for something new and beautiful.
While it was really good for my physical fitness to be committed to these walks, I believe the bigger benefits came on another level.
When I first started, it seemed as if I had made an insane commitment that I was bound to fail to complete. But I soon realized that I was wrong-- if you are able to walk you can probably do this.
One of the things I especially love about it is that you can do this slowly. It is not racing. It's not competing with other people. (On the contrary, there is a very supportive community available through social media.) You don't have to walk fast. In fact, I really think the point is to get us all to slow down long enough to see and appreciate what's around us.
I would be writing a super long review if I told you all of the ways in which I believe my mental and emotional health benefited from these challenges. In highly stressful times, it was so good to step outside, get moving, and remind myself that the universe encompasses so much more beyond everyday troubles, that there is beauty and wonder to behold. It was empowering. And I don't mean I only saw this in places of majestic natural beauty, fine as those are. Often it was a tree in a park or a flower in a garden.
Which reminds me of the other reason to do this: trees! Your efforts plant trees. Thousands have been planted through this program.
Give it a try!
Photos are of a few things I have seen on walks. I promise you there's much more out waiting for you.