Author: In Need of Nature
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Growing Through Grief: Losing a Parent, Loving His Memory, and Choosing My Own Birthday Card
Losing my dad, who struggled with addiction, has been a complicated kind of grief—full of love, pain, and unanswered questions. With my first birthday without him approaching, I’m feeling the absence deeply. Every year, he gave me a heartfelt card, always sweet, always sincere. It was his way of showing up, even when life made…
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Gearing Up for Our 2024 Camping/Hunting Trip: The Ultimate Checklist
As the 2024 camping and hunting season approaches, it’s time to start gearing up for the adventure. Packing for a camping trip requires careful planning to ensure you have everything you need for comfort, safety, and convenience. With that in mind, I’ve put together a detailed list of everything we’ll need to make this trip…
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Nurturing Growth: How Succulents (and a Little Dirt) Strengthened Our Bond
From one small succulent to a thriving collection, and from a patchy yard to lush grass—how gardening together helped us grow plants, a home, and a stronger bond.
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From Silence to Strength: My Journey
I work at a small café, tending bar, serving food, and greeting the familiar faces of our regulars. Most days, it’s a decent job — I get to connect with people, make a few smiles happen, and earn a living in a space that feels almost like a second home. But there’s always a shadow…
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Finding Light in the Darkness — How Journaling and Meditation Have Changed My Life
The last few months broke me open in ways I never expected. I lost a parent. I faced conflict at work. I questioned everything — including myself. But through that darkness, I found two practices that helped me find my way back to the light: journaling and meditation. What started as a desperate attempt to…
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A Meditation on Loving-Kindness and Self-Compassion
Excerpt: Meditation has a way of revealing truths we often overlook—especially when it comes to self-compassion. During a recent session, I focused on extending the same loving-kindness I give to others to myself—past, present, and future. I realized that the warmth and encouragement I receive from my partner, Jacob, have shaped me in ways I…
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The Power of Letting Go: Why You Don’t Have to Be Perfect Every Day
I used to think that if I didn’t do something every single day, I was failing. If I missed a journaling session, skipped meditation, or took a rest day from working out, I’d guilt-trip myself into thinking I wasn’t committed. But here’s what I’ve learned: perfection isn’t necessary for progress—and, in fact, it often holds…
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Preparing for Adventure: Lessons from TAC, Camping, and Hunting
Three years ago, I embarked on my first Total Archery Challenge (TAC) with excitement and anticipation. However, I quickly realized how easy it was to get hurt in the mountains. On the very first day, as I walked down the mountain to the lift to start the course, I injured my knee. My adventure ended…
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Embracing Healing Through Art, Fitness, and Nature
We all have our trauma and lessons we’ve endured as we grow. Everyone’s experiences are different, and what helps them heal is also unique. I believe that if my experiences can help someone process and work through their own, that’s the reason I was put on this earth. I feel this is where I’m supposed…
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Embracing Archery Together: Our Journey and Tips
When Jacob and I are out shooting together, we often get asked a variety of questions. People are curious about the kind of bow I shoot, how Jacob encouraged me to try archery, and how we get along so well during strenuous events like the Total Archery Challenge (TAC). Let’s start with the easy one:…
In Need of Nature 