My time as a young adult working at a camp and conference center in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. I only spent 15 months there, but I learned to seek adventure, saddle a horse, lead a trail ride, mountaineer, fold a fitted sheet, and take responsibility for my mistakes.

A favorite personal motto of mine came from my time living at 9,000 feet above sea level. I was often tasked with being a trail guide. About halfway through the hike, tired children would ask me, “Are we getting close yet? I always replied:

“We are closer than when we started.”

This applies to so many things in life. Nothing is wasted. Sometimes we might have to get further away first, re-route, and reorient… but we are still closer than when we started.

My childhood in the Central Valley of California. I learned two of the things I value the most from my family.

My dad taught us how to work hard, get the job done…and do it right!

My mom taught us how to camp (and, in the process, get comfortable being uncomfortable).

Being a mom. Man-alive, has that taught me a lot. But the virtue that rises to the top is…patience. So, so, much patience.

Being a partner.

Life experiences, trauma, healing, doing the work of moving towards happiness, and going outside. Get to know more about me on my personal Instagram @TammyOutside.