Growing up in the country I loved the wide open spaces and strong community spirit. As a child I had freedom to roam, take risks and learn about life for myself.
Now I live in the city I feel life is always rushed, scheduled and too many people are caught up in their own lives. They don’t take time to notice their surrounds, smile and talk to passing strangers. I crave getting back to nature and to those wide open spaces.
My mood changes when I am surrounded by nature and I have a clear state of mind. I don’t even realise that I feel stressed yet I can feel my body relax the tightness around my chest and shoulders disappears. I feel calmer, my mind clears, my body relaxes and I finally I feel like I can breathe.
My love of nature is now being passed down to my children. With an overwhelming amount of evidence to show nature play has benefits for children such as improved cognitive function, increased creativity, improved interaction with adults, reduced attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptoms and reduced rates of aggression. I feel it is my duty to immerse them in nature.
Whenever I can I get my children into nature. We go on walks in search of wildflowers.
They experience pure joy as they jump, splash or feel the mud between their toes.
They make a wish and blow a dandelion. Watch the seeds float in the wind with the hope that their dreams will come true.
Every path is an adventure. They are not afraid to venture off into the unknown.
The children use their imagination, the whole family uses their senses in natural surrounds and I notice a change, we are calm, content and bonded as a family.
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Let Me Be Free 
This is a lovely photo essay. I can relate to your feeling and emotion.
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Thank you, it is great that there are so many people who enjoy nature.
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I like what you say about people being caught up in their own lives. Often we chase our tails over things that really don’t mean a lot.
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I couldn’t agree more.
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Beautiful photos! My kids love to be outside – and the very best toy? A stick! I never knew how many different ways a stick could be used until I watched my kids play!
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The good old stick! I think it is every kids favourite!
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Beautiful – I love the laptop amidst that cos the idea of balance is important. I find writing (blogging) as rejuvenating / nourishing as the outdoors quite often so can appreciate that as well.
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That is great that you have found something for you that is rejuvenating.
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These photos are beautiful. I agree with the love for nature. I notice my daughter is much calmer and more content when we are outside. I try to take her out as much as possible. We were at the park at 7AM today and the beach at 6:30AM yesterday!
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It is great to get out early before the heat hits! Good on you for getting out the door so early, I find it hard to get my kids ready to go in the morning!
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Don’t worry. I only have one and she was up at 5AM – anything to keep her entertained!
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Beautiful images and words!
SSG xxx
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Thank you, happy new year!
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Some truly beautiful images here. Happy New Year. (Ducking in from the link-up)…
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Thank you and happy new year to you too.
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This is so true! I wish I could just nature trek everyday as it is relaxing. Our nearest naturific playground here is the beach so we go there at least once a week. Happy new year! xx
Jacq
jacqwritesworld.com
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I love the beach and we also go regularly. Happy new year to you too.
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This is such a beautiful post and reminder of going outside..and looking up, around and about! I have been doing this much much more since moving to the coast and even my little back garden calls me each day to check what’s new. Thank you so much for the reminder of what IS important and linking up for #lifethisweek 1/52 Denyse
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My back garden needs a little bit more love. Maybe that will have to be my new years resolution.
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Beautiful post Anne. I can totally relate. Your children are incredibly blessed.
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I know that you are a nature lover!! Hopefully the children will thank me for it in years to come.
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I’m sure they will.
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A beautiful message, accompanied by stunning photos. Thanks a lot. I resonate with your thoughts and feelings.
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It is nice to know that this post resonates with so many people. Have a wonderful 2017!
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Nature and children – a perfect blend of keeping them entertained plus educating them at the same time. I love getting back to nature too and find myself happiest if I’m walking the beach or trudging through some bush. Happy New Year #TeamLovinLife
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I gathered you love the beach as I often so Instagram pics or blog posts about the beach.
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Such peaceful photos!
“My mood changes when I am surrounded by nature and I have a clear state of mind.” You speak the truth right there. Ditto here.
#TeamLovinLife
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Thank you, I am trying to improve my photography.
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What great photos! And it is so important to get outside. I tend to notice that when I am grumpiest it is usually because I haven’t been outside enough.
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I can’t handle spending too much time inside, it is not good for the soul!
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Being in nature feeds my soul – I love it! I love how you’ve captured your feelings through your fabulous pics!
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Glad you feel the same way!
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So beautiful! I want to spend more time outdoors too, this year.
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Go for it!
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Such a gorgeous photo essay Anne. I love blowing dandelions and watching them float off into the breeze too. I’m so pleased your kids love nature too 🙂 #TeamLovinLife
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There is something magical about blowing dandelions.
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Beautiful photo’s. You reminded me of blowing dandelions with my father. Thank you. 🙂
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Glad I could take you on a walk down memory lane.
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[…] far I have done two photo essays, A day in the life of a camper and Our love of nature. It has been great fun putting them together and I hope to do more in the […]
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Anne, I love the way you’ve put this together and it’s so true. Seeing it illustrated really send the message home. Thank you x
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Thank you, I am glad you enjoyed it and I hope you get your nature fix soon!
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Only one word – beautiful – . Thank you for the great post, continue to develop your children conciousness. This is the right path.
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Thank you, I am sure we are on the right path.
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This is absolutely fantastic Anne and I love it!!
I love the life that we lead with Scouts as it makes us do those things, encourages the boys to be outside and just “be”…so many benefits to outdoor play and education!!
If every child could get to experience what you do with your children and what we do with ours by getting them involved in playing and learning by doing, the world would indeed be a much better place!!
You deserved a high distinction for your photo essay, saying that I love it just do not do the justice that it deserves!!!!!
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It is great that scouts is still popular and I see there are lots of other nature play businesses popping up.
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Like you I was lucky to grow up in the countryside. After many years of city and town living I finally returned and my kids now enjoy it to. I agree it is so important to connect with nature. I feel though that even living in a rural area we can sometimes get so caught up with our busy lives that we fail to mske the connection. it’s not just something that happens to city dwellers.
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Parenting and Nature go hand in hand!
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So true!
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Beautiful photos .
I love this .Nature lovers are always happy.
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