Just yesterday, a close family member messaged me saying that he had just read my most recent article about nature and architecture, and followed up with “I have now changed your name on my contact list to the Lorax, because you speak for the trees.”
Indeed, he’s right! Now, I like my lazy indoor days as much as the next person… but there really is something about being present in nature that is different than any other feeling. And to be completely honest, knowing “the nature girl” totally has its perks.
When you befriend the nature girl, you’re in for an adventure. Climbing trees, climbing rocks, let’s be honest… we climb everything. We like seeing new things and enjoying the beauty of views. We’re the ones to dip our toes in the water where the signs say no swimming, the ones to take the hiking trail that doesn’t have a label, and especially the crazies who would rather drive a boat head on into the wave rather than cutting through at angles to glide along with it.
We may not always be experts on kayaking without flipping over, fishing without hooking a tree branch, or skiing without taking a few fumbles, but at least we’re always willing to attempt it! The risk is often worth the reward with us.
GO BIG OR GO HOME.
Skydiving? We’ve probably already done it. Hiking the highest elevations we can get to? You bet. Bungee jumping? Totally on the bucket list. Double black diamond ski trails? We’re working our way there. We might sound completely lunatic at times, but in reality who doesn’t? When you’re in tune with nature it’s as if there’s not much left to be scared of. What doesn’t kill you is just going to make you stronger.
Being in a relationship with the nature girl basically implies you’ve got a life-long companion. We have this weird, intuitive understanding of situations… maybe because we’re the “old soul” type, or maybe this is a completely unreasonable assumption on my behalf. From personal experience I’ve come to know that those who have a profound appreciation for life, and for nature, also find gratitude and meaning in the little things.
These qualities exude an intimacy that can also be found in relationships. Choosing options with seemingly a little more adventure helps us to create memories that feel more meaningful, more exclusive. We’d rather go on a picnic than make reservations. We like bonfires, late night walks, and catching fireflies. We’re the ones want to be wrapped in someone’s arms while lying in the dark, and looking at stars. Romantic, right?
We like minimalism, because that’s where meaning is discovered. We like the sound of a flowing river, the smell of fresh air after it rains, and the flitter of light that breaks through the gaps of a tree canopy.
I like to think I can live up to being the nature girl. Adventure with reasonable risks, creating memories in the most intimate ways, and obsessed with the elements of the outdoors. Even my values and interests tend to relate back to the natural world in many ways… and let’s be real… it’s always a pleasure to speak for the trees.
