From an ER visit for kidney stones to a torn rotator cuff diagnosis, this past month tested me in ways I did not expect, but it also reinforced something deeper. My ability to keep going, no matter what.

These are the apps I keep coming back to. Each one does something different, and together they cover just about everything I need when I’m out exploring.

If you’re willing to step off the beaten path, there are some incredibly beautiful and unique places to explore. From shaded forest trails to wetlands full of wildlife, Florida has a style of hiking that feels completely different from anywhere else in the country.

If you’re just getting started, here are five parks that are perfect for beginners and a great introduction to what hiking in Florida is all about.

One of the great things about living in Florida is the biodiversity that this state has to offer. No place is this more evident than in the fauna that resides in the Sunshine State.

Here’s a look at 10 of the most unique animals that call Florida home.

There’s nothing wrong with covering miles or pushing yourself physically. That’s part of the experience too. But when that’s the only focus, it’s easy to miss a lot of what makes being outdoors so rewarding in the first place.

Some of the best moments I’ve had on the trail didn’t come from reaching a destination. They came from slowing down enough to actually notice where I was.

For most of my adult life, I had a complicated relationship with alcohol and drugs. Very rarely did anything good happen when I drank, but it took me a long time to recognize just how much control those substances had over my life, my personality, and my relationships with other people.

When most people go hiking, they’re usually focused on the big moments. The scenic overlook, a waterfall, or that one great view you’ve been walking toward all morning.

But over the years I’ve learned that some of the most interesting parts of being outdoors are the small details that people often walk right past. Once you start noticing them, the trail starts to feel very different.

Over the years phone cameras have become incredibly powerful. The truth is that you don’t need expensive gear to capture beautiful moments outdoors. What matters far more is understanding a few basic principles like light, framing, and how to make small adjustments after you take the photo.

If you’re hiking with a phone in your pocket, you already have everything you need to start taking better photos on the trail.

I’ve always considered myself a lifelong learner. Some people relax by watching TV or scrolling on their phone, but I’ve always found that reading opens the door to new ideas and perspectives in a way that few other things can. Over the years, I’ve gravitated toward non fiction, especially books centered around nature, the outdoors, and personal wellness. Those topics have always felt closely connected to the way I try to live my life. The outdoors has been a constant teacher for me, and the books I tend to reach for often explore that same connection between the natural world and the human experience. Every now and then, a book comes along that doesn’t just entertain or inform, it shifts something inside you.

On warm evenings when the sun slipped below the trees, my family would walk the path around the small pond behind our house. The air would cool just enough to carry the sounds of crickets and birds settling in for the night, and the water would reflect the last light of the day. Even as a kid, those moments felt peaceful in a way I didn’t fully understand yet.

When I talk about grounding, I’m not talking about anything complicated. I’m talking about physically connecting with the natural world and being present in it. Standing barefoot in grass. Sitting against a tree. Walking a trail without headphones. Letting your senses do their thing.

And there’s actual science behind why that works.

Somewhere along the way, I discovered a phrase that sounds crude but has honestly protected my mental health more than once:

Chuck it in the f*ck it bucket.

What took me years to understand is this:

The most stable relationship in my life has not been with another person.

It has been with nature.