When I was a young girl, I would hear stories about how my dad would travel from one place to another with not a care in the world. Everyone in my family would call him a “hippie,” without knowing the growing desire I had to follow in those same wandering footsteps.

I begged my dad to take me camping up until the age of 13. Then my teenage drama kicked in and I couldn’t be bothered with going outside and getting dirty. Oh, the horror of it all! This mindset was, of course, brought about by peer pressure and societal norms I would see on TV. On top of all that, I’m mixed with African-American. The stigma in our community is that we don’t camp, hike, or do anything that isn’t safe. So, the dreams I had of traveling into the woods would soon be lost for years to come.

Until 2015. I spoke about my trip to Catalina in my blog post, “Private Island.” That trip changed it all for me and it worked out because I am pretty sure if I knew what I was getting myself into, I probably would have changed my mind at the last minute. But the way God works, it came as a surprise trip that enlightened me and lit the spark back up in my inner child’s eyes.

My private island trip ended up in camping on Catalina which led to my organization, Ihunaanya. However, this blog is all about where I’m at right now and my wanderlust.

The desire to travel and explore new places is a feeling that is shared by many. This yearning for adventure and new experiences is known as wanderlust. Whether it’s visiting far-flung destinations, exploring local attractions or simply taking a walk in nature, wanderlust can take many forms. For those of us afflicted with wanderlust, the all of adventure is always present and urges us to explore the world around us.

For some, wanderlust is a simple desire to escape the daily grind and experience something new. For others, it is a deep seated need to explore and discover new cultures, languages, and ways of life. Either way, travel is a way to find meaning and purpose.

So what is it that I so lustfully desire to wander? I’ll tell you.

Being on a mountain surrounded by trees is one of my favorite things in this world. Listening to birds sing from above and streams flowing down below. Seeing the sunshine peek between the limbs of the forest and down onto the forest floor giving warmth, light, and life to the vast multitude of plants and animals scurrying by. Stopping in a meadow to sit quietly, then be joined by a grazing deer or bunny. Making my way around shadowed bends in the valley then finding a peak dowsed by light and showcasing a beautiful landscape that completely contrasts the view 20 feet backwards. Trails that twist and turn seeming to never end yet always leading you towards undeniable beauty and retreat. The deep rest that comes with falling asleep with a balanced circadian rhythm under a starlit sky and shooting stars. The cold mornings inside my tent, alone, peaceful, and grounded. Bird baths in lakes, hot coffee on a boulder, and refreshing swims in glacier water. Bare feet enmeshed in soft, long blades of grass and the scent of flowers eager to win your heart. Songs around the campfire and memories that last a lifetime.

I wanderlust for the mountains few dare to climb. I wanderlust for the forests few dare to walk in. I wanderlust for the deserts few dare to sleep in. I wanderlust for the lakes few dare to swim in. I wanderlust for the trees few dare to see in real life. I wanderlust for the snowy peaks above lush valleys few know exist. I wanderlust for reality. I wanderlust for fantasy. I wanderlust for these moments and more when in nature. Just me, my backpack, and God.

Traveling does not have to be a frivolous indulgence. There are many benefits to be gained from travel. During the summer of 2020, I realized I didn’t need friends to fulfill my wanderlust needs. I would pack my cooler, grab my emergency bag, and whatever else I needed and get in my car. From my parking space, I would just let my imagination take me wherever it wanted to go. I had been to so many places prior, so I knew my way around the west coast. Nothing was holding me back. I’d fill up my tank and just drive. I’d drive to the Eastern Sierras. I’d drive to Yosemite. I’d drive north, south, east, and west. With every trip, I broadened my horizons and exposed myself to new ways of thinking. Eventually, I drove to Arizona by myself for a girls trip. From there I took a trip to Phoenix and visited the wondrous Bell Rock. There was no time limit. Only freedom.

Travel is my way to relax and recharge. On those long road trips, I would blast music, sing as loud–good or bad–as I wanted to, cry, pray, laugh, or simply be. Those road trips were my way of taking a break from the stresses and routines of daily life. I’d come back home feeling refreshed, rejuvenated, and full of life. Even the trips I took with friends were always filled with answers about myself and life. We’d all let go of whoever we thought we should be in society, and just be. Not too much you can hide when you’re tired from a full day of hiking, peeing in the woods, and eating from an aluminum bag. Seeing people in nature was the closest I would ever get to seeing them for who they really are.

What I wanderlust for in nature isn’t always the beauty of it all. Camping, hiking, and backpacking–adventure in general–can be a wonderfully enriching experience but not without its challenges. I also wanderlust for the growth I get at the end of an exhausting trip, the courage I develop when I make it through a cold, dark night, the victory I feel when I am bruised and cut open and still have miles ahead of me. There is joy in every moment. I’ve fell in rivers, fell off trees, fell down hills, and so much more. Each of those experiences made me realize how strong I am; as a woman, and as a woman of color. By embracing these challenges and viewing them as opportunities for growth and learning, I was able to overcome and reap the rewards of my wanderlust.

So, I challenge you, whoever you are, to go out and find a new you in a new place with new people and new experiences. Do not let your normal dictate your future. Wanderlust is a powerful force that drives many people. Honor your inner child and allow them to play freely once more. Whether it’s exploring far-flung destinations or simply taking a walk in nature, explore something that is shared by people all over the world. Feel the call of adventure and don’t be afraid to follow your wanderlust and see where it takes you!