I’m not sure if it’s because I grew up in New York City, a place with minimal outdoor spaces, or the fact that it might just be in my DNA, but I kind of hate being inside. The feeling of anxiety, overwhelm, and annoyance creeps in whenever I find myself cooped up inside. My heart yearns to be outside, not just for physical activity but also to simply be present in nature – to lie down, sit, read, and soak in the surroundings. Rain, snow or sunshine, the outdoors beckons me, providing a rejuvenating and nurturing escape.
Maybe my aversion to being indoors stems from the association with work, studying, and feeling confined to focus on things I'd rather not. Going outside is my way of avoiding the burdens of adulting, as so much of it takes place within walls – bills, work, chores, and computer screens. Consequently, I've crafted a career that revolves around embracing the outdoors and motivating others to do the same, regardless of the season. There's a special breed of people who resonate with this profound joy of connecting with nature.
In high school, I discovered that studying for finals in Central Park improved my focus. The sunshine on my face, the fresh air, and the natural distractions made me feel like I wasn't missing out on life's simple pleasures even while being productive.
There was a moment after college when I was working for a professional sports league and I had a Ferris Bueller moment where I called in sick because it was the most gorgeous day - How can I possibly be expected to handle [work] on a day like this? I mean Life Moves Pretty Fast. If You Don’t Stop And Look Around Once In A While, You Could Miss It. Right??? I spent the day walking around the city enjoying the most sparking day you could in New York City in the summer.
From that moment on, I knew that the indoors was not for me. Dining, working out, having drinks, and even dancing are all far better experiences when enjoyed outdoors, away from sweaty, stuffy places.
Determined to immerse myself fully in an outdoor lifestyle, I made the bold decision to become a ski bum in Vail, Colorado. For six years, I reveled in activities like snowboarding, hiking, camping, backpacking, mountain biking, and rafting. I embraced the great outdoors daily, often engaging in multiple adventures each day.
Relocating to San Francisco didn't change my affinity for the outdoors. I continued to maximize my time outside, taking morning and afternoon walks to the Aquatic Park Pier, reading in the park, and exploring scenic destinations like Tahoe, Mendocino, and Big Sur. However, my first job in SF didn't align with my outdoor-oriented mindset, as I spent hours commuting and confined to a desk. Flexibility and outdoor time dwindled, leading me to realize it was not the right fit.
Transitioning to freelance work within the outdoor industry granted me the flexibility I craved. I could leverage my skills while enjoying a schedule that allowed ample time outside. I was even recruited to help launch a women’s retreat for REI that helped women become sweaty, dirty, happy through outdoor activities and connection with one another.
The idea for Stoke Coach was born out of my desire to help people find flow and mindfulness through physical activity in nature. I wanted to challenge my clients, helping them reconnect with themselves and the world around them, fostering joy and a different kind of stoke in their lives. The outdoors became the backdrop for creativity, productivity, and personal growth.
Living in Park City now, I still feel the urge to spend more time outside EVEN after full mornings of being active outdoors. Recently this summer, when the heat becomes unbearable, I set up a chair in my garage's shade to do computer work. It's a constant dance and balance, but I've discovered that I am more creative and joyful when I'm outside. This realization continues to fuel my mission of helping others to reconnect with the pure joy of being outdoors.
My daughter now wakes up every morning and excitedly exclaims, "Outside!" I'm proud that I've set a positive example for her, and I'm glad she craves outdoor time instead of toys or TV. It's about instilling in her an appreciation for the great outdoors, teaching her the value of connecting with nature and finding interconnectedness between her body and the world.
Embracing the outdoors has been a journey of self-discovery, where I've found freedom, play, awe, wonder, joy, excitement, stoke, and challenge. It's a mindset shift, recognizing that fitness is not just about exercising our bodies for external validation but also about creating a deeper connection with ourselves and the world around us. Through my experiences and enthusiasm, I hope to inspire others to find their joy and fulfillment in the great outdoors, just as I have.