My Story

I’ve always loved nature, but it wasn’t until 2016 when I really started to explore the world solo.  After figuring out some things in my life, I needed alone time to find myself.  So, I started my journey of self-discovery.  I was on a mission to make the uncomfortable comfortable by traveling alone and doing the things that I had wanted to do.  I set my intention to be a better version of me so that I’d be in a better place- mind, body, and soul.

Believe it or not, I was born and raised in So Cal.  I have a lot hobbies and I’m kind of like a Jack of all trades, Master of none. My goal is to work hard while enjoying life.  As simple as that sounds, it still takes effort and being mindful to not allow the small things in life to get in the way.  Although I’ve had my share of challenges, it was my faith in God, my family, friends, and the outdoors that were my saving grace. Every trial and tribulation I’ve faced, has made me stronger into knowing who I am and what I want.  Nature allows me to organize my deepest thoughts but it also allows me to take a break from them.  It is a nice balance for me.  Throughout the years I’ve had people reach out to me with their life stories.  Those messages have touched my heart, so here I am writing this blog to share my journey.  I have quite a large amount of entries to catch up on, so I’m hoping in my spare time I’ll be able to write about those.

I’ve always loved the outdoors because it fills my soul with gratitude.  Our lives are surrounded by opinions, social distractions, and noise.  Society tells us what is beautiful through filters instead of allowing us to consciously see beauty organically.  For me, the outdoors is a place to rejuvenate and a sanctuary of contentment where for that moment I feel a state of bliss.  That moment where I realize I’m smiling because of the feeling resonating within in my heart.  It’s a calm beauty that makes me reach for my chest in awe every time.  Whether it’s the beach or the mountains, I find inner-peace in nature.

I’m an only child and growing up my mom was super strict (yes, the typical Asian tiger mom).  My TV time was very limited and I was only allowed to read books (… a lot of books).  During the school year I went to public school and in the summer time I was enrolled in a private academy for math and writing.  However, I was never the studious type.  In fact, I really didn’t like school.  I was teased in my earlier years and I disliked schoolwork.  I don’t know if it’s because I’m left-handed so I engage my right brain more, but I was always more the creative type so you can imagine the strained relationship I had with my mom growing up.  We argued frequently, but my mom raised me the best way she knew how and now that I’m older, I’m very appreciative for all of her efforts.

Outside of academics, my mom made me participate in a lot of extra curricular activities and sports which taught me a valuable lesson.  Every time you step out of your comfort zone it gets easier, but if you never take that step to play, you’ll never level up.  The memories that I truly cherish are our road trips.  My mom loves traveling and camping, so I was fortunate that she took me to see our National Parks and we drove all over the United States and Canada.  Those were the times where I didn’t have to recite my multiplication tables or read any books, it was just us in the outdoors spending time together.  Perhaps that’s where my love for nature began.  Today, my mom is my biggest supporter and fan.  Every time I travel she’s always texting me for photos and asking to hear about my latest adventures.

I truly believe that anything is possible with a positive mindset and by spending time in the outdoors it reboots our mind from the daily grind.  By disconnecting from the world of technology, we’re able to clear our brains to process our deepest thoughts.  You don’t have to take an expensive vacation to enjoy nature, just find a local hike or step outside, pause life, and breathe in the surroundings.  Set aside some time for yourself because it’s important for your soul.  We are always in so much of a rush to hustle the everyday activities, but the pauses are just as important.  Since I’ve embarked on this journey, I’ve learned so much about myself and my passions.

I dedicate this to my friends who have shown me so much love and helped me see my self-worth.  They’ve even stepped outside of their comfort zone just to be alongside me in my adventures.  Words can’t describe the amount of gratitude I have in my heart.  Every time I come home from traveling, I look forward to seeing them and they always make me feel so missed.  They define what “home” means to me and they make me forget I’m an only child.

Well, that’s a little bit of my history and who I am behind my posts.  I hope you enjoy my blog.   🙂

Happy adventuring!