A covered bridge over Yellow Breeches Creek, Pennsylvania.
What did you enjoy doing at age 10?
I came across this question recently while reading an online news article on how to find your passion and apply it to your career.
For me, my main pastimes at ten years old were reading, writing, and playing outside. Whether I was riding my bike through the village or on imaginary adventures that involved building forts and climbing the trees in my Granny’s garden, I loved being out in the fresh air.
Reading, writing and adventures have stayed with me: the ‘adventures’ I would now class as travelling, while the writing takes place both at my day job and here, at Stories My Suitcase Could Tell. Somewhere along the way, though, I forgot how much I love being outside, enjoying the wonders of nature.
It really hit me last summer, when I spent an afternoon river kayaking in the central Pennsylvanian countryside. At first I was unsure, a little scared. What if I capsized? What if the current was rough? What if I somehow got lost, separated from my fiancé and my cousin, the latter leading the way?
I need not have worried. Kayaking on Yellow Breeches Creek was hands down one of the best things I’ve done in years. The trees, the water, the sunshine, the fresh air, the wildlife, the picnic on the grassy river bank – it was like stepping back in time to being a carefree kid. It was absolutely worth the bright red legs, where I forgot to apply suncream.
From now on, both at home and on my travels, I’m resolving to get involved in more outdoor activities – like I did recently on the Air an Lot croft in the north of Lewis. I know it won’t involve extreme heights (I’m not quite ready for a bungee jump!) but kayaking, hiking, breathing in some fresh air? It’s definitely on the to-do list from now on, and with summer finally here, there’s no better time to get started on taking inspiration from my childhood adventures.
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I was like you – always climbing trees! There’s something about that freedom as a child, running around and embracing nature that I really wish I did more of. I look forward to reading more about what you get up to (and maybe stealing some ideas)!
Climbing trees was an excellent childhood pastime! I’ve got a few outdoor adventure ideas up my sleeve at the moment, so I’ll have to see how they pan out. Maybe I should give surfing a try, like your blog post recommended!
100% encouraging you to do that!!