A Walk in My Woods: Year One - 2024
Last year I moved into a home on 12 acres of woods. I set out on a journey—not just through the woods surrounding my home but through a deeper understanding of nature, resilience, and the evolving relationship I have with the land. What started as an unexpected moment of clarity in a storm has become an ongoing exploration of my surroundings, filled with discovery, adaptation, and appreciation for the beauty of the changing seasons.
Riding Out the Storm
It all began with a storm. In one of my early reflections, I wrote about a tornado that unexpectedly swept through, challenging my preparedness and testing my adaptability. That storm left a lasting impression—not just in the landscape but in the way I saw my role as a steward of the land. I realized that nature has its own rhythm, unpredictable yet purposeful, and that to truly connect with my woods, I had to embrace that unpredictability rather than resist it.
Learning from the Land
As the seasons changed, so did my observations. In the months that followed, I shared in my emails the small but profound moments that made each walk through the woods unique. The subtle shifts in the forest’s personality—from vibrant summer greens to the crispness of autumn air—became a reminder of the passage of time. Each fallen tree, every new path carved by wildlife, and the unexpected encounters with deer or birds offered lessons in patience and awareness.
A Year of Discovery
Through this past year, walking these trails has become more than just an escape; it has been a practice in mindfulness. I have not only observed the ecosystem around me but also the shifts within myself. There have been days of quiet reflection and moments of pure wonder. Each step is a reminder of how nature moves forward—whether through storms or stillness—and how we, too, can learn to do the same.
This will be the first of an annual tradition—a reflection on the journey through my woods and the lessons they continue to teach me. I look forward to sharing more discoveries, challenges, and moments of awe as the next year unfolds. Subscribe to my newsletter for a monthly update.
If you’ve ever felt the pull of nature, I encourage you to take your own walk—whether in a backyard, a park, or a distant trail. You never know what you might find along the way.
