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Reconnecting Your Family with Nature: A Guide to Creating Lasting Memories in the Great Outdoors

/ Robert Bruton / Leave a comment

In an era where screens have become the focal point of our lives, often overshadowing face-to-face interactions, many families find themselves drifting away from nature and each other. The great outdoors, however, presents a unique opportunity to strengthen family ties, create enduring memories, and foster a deeper connection with the natural world. This guide is designed to help you shift your family’s focus from screens to the serene, offering practical strategies and imaginative ideas to integrate outdoor adventures into your family’s routine.

Understanding the Need for Nature

The Digital Dilemma

Recent studies have shown that the average American child spends more than seven hours per day in front of screens, while adults often log even more screen time between work and leisure activities. This digital immersion has led to what researchers call “nature deficit disorder,” a term coined by author Richard Louv to describe the various behavioral problems and disconnection that arise when children have limited exposure to the natural world.

The Rewards of Family Time in Nature

The advantages of spending time in nature as a family extend far beyond simply reducing screen time:

  • Physical Health: Outdoor activities naturally encourage the development of movement, exercise, and motor skills.
  • Mental Well-being: Nature exposure has been linked to reduced stress, improved mood, and better cognitive function.
  • Family Bonding: Shared outdoor experiences create meaningful conversation and cooperation opportunities.
  • Environmental Awareness: Direct contact with nature fosters an appreciation for environmental conservation.
  • Skill Development: Outdoor activities teach valuable life skills like problem-solving, risk assessment, and resilience.

Starting Your Family’s Nature Journey

Beginning the Transition

  1. Start Small
    1. Begin with short outdoor activities in familiar settings, and gradually
    increase the duration and complexity of your adventures.
    1. Choose activities that match your family’s current comfort level
  2. Set Clear Expectations
    1. Establish device-free zones and times to create family guidelines for outdoor time.
    1. Involve everyone in planning and decision-making
  3. Make it Regular
    1. Schedule outdoor time like any other necessary appointment
    1. Create weekly or monthly outdoor traditions
    1. Be consistent with your commitment

Creating an Outdoor-Oriented Family Culture

Making Nature Part of Daily Life

In Your Backyard

Transform your outdoor space into a nature hub:

  • Plant a family garden
  • Create a bird-watching station
  • Build simple outdoor play areas
  • Establish a comfortable outdoor gathering space

In Your Neighborhood

Explore local natural spaces:

  • Take evening family walks
  • Visit nearby parks regularly
  • Join community nature programs
  • Organize neighborhood nature scavenger hunts

Weekend Adventures

Day Trips

Plan regular outings to:

  • State and national parks
  • Nature preserves
  • Botanical gardens
  • Lakes and rivers
  • Local hiking trails

Extended Adventures

Schedule longer trips for deeper connections:

  • Family camping weekends
  • Beach vacations focused on nature exploration
  • Mountain getaways
  • National park visits

Age-Appropriate Nature Activities

For Young Children (Ages 2-6)

  • Nature scavenger hunts
  • Leaf and rock collecting
  • Simple gardening projects
  • Puddle jumping
  • Bug watching
  • Nature art projects

For Elementary Age (Ages 7-11)

  • Basic hiking
  • Tree climbing
  • Nature Photography
  • Wildlife tracking
  • Basic camping skills
  • Nature journaling

For Teens (Ages 12+)

  • Advanced hiking
  • Rock climbing
  • Mountain biking
  • Wilderness survival skills
  • Nature conservation projects
  • Adventure sports

Overcoming Common Challenges

Weather Concerns

  • Invest in appropriate outdoor gear
  • Learn to appreciate different weather conditions
  • Have backup plans for severe weather
  • Create indoor nature activities for unavoidable indoor days

Time Constraints

  • Schedule outdoor time in advance
  • Combine outdoor activities with other responsibilities
  • Break up more extended activities into manageable chunks
  • Prioritize quality over quantity

Technology Withdrawal

  • Establish clear boundaries for device use
  • Create exciting alternatives to screen time
  • Use technology purposefully for nature exploration
  • Allow occasional photo or video documentation of adventures

Safety Considerations

  • Learn basic outdoor safety skills
  • Carry appropriate safety equipment
  • Teach children about potential hazards
  • Start with controlled environments

Making Memories That Last

Documentation and Reflection

  • Create family nature journals
  • Take photos and videos (in moderation)
  • Make scrapbooks of adventures
  • Share stories around campfires

Creating Traditions

  • Annual camping trips
  • Seasonal nature celebrations
  • Monthly exploration days
  • Weekly outdoor family meals

Building Skills Together

  • Learn new outdoor skills as a family
  • Take classes together
  • Share knowledge with other families
  • Join outdoor-oriented groups

Seasonal Activities and Opportunities

Spring

  • Bird watching during migration
  • Planting gardens
  • Spring wildflower walks
  • Rain puddle exploration
  • Nature awakening observation

Summer

  • Beach Exploration
  • Swimming in natural waters
  • Night sky observation
  • Extended camping trips
  • Morning nature walks

Fall

  • Leaf collecting and identification
  • Apple picking
  • Fall migration watching
  • Harvest activities
  • Nature color studies

Winter

  • Animal tracking in snow
  • Winter hiking
  • Ice skating on natural ponds
  • Winter camping (for advanced families)
  • Winter wildlife feeding

Building a Supportive Community

Finding Like-Minded Families

  • Join local outdoor groups
  • Participate in nature center programs
  • Connect with environmental organizations
  • Share experiences on social media
  • Organize group activities

Creating Learning Opportunities

  • Attend workshops and classes
  • Invite naturalists to lead group activities
  • Share skills with other families
  • Participate in citizen science projects

The Long-Term Impact

Environmental Stewardship

  • Develop conservation awareness
  • Participate in cleanup efforts
  • Support environmental causes
  • Learn about local ecosystems

Family Legacy

  • Pass down outdoor skills
  • Create lasting memories
  • Build family traditions
  • Foster a lifelong appreciation for nature

Personal Growth

  • Develop confidence
  • Build resilience
  • Enhance problem-solving skills
  • Strengthen family bonds

Conclusion

Disconnecting from digital devices and reconnecting with nature as a family is more than just a temporary escape from modern life—it’s an investment in your family’s well-being and future. By consciously spending time outdoors together, you’re creating precious memories and building a foundation of environmental awareness, physical health, and family unity that will last for generations.

The journey to becoming an outdoor-oriented family doesn’t happen overnight, but with patience, consistency, and creativity, you can transform your family’s relationship with nature and each other. Start small, stay committed, and watch as the natural world’s magic helps strengthen your family bonds and create memories that will last a lifetime.

Remember, every family’s journey is unique, and there’s no single “right” way to connect with nature. The key is to find activities and approaches that work for your family and remain flexible and patient as you develop your outdoor lifestyle. The rewards of this effort—stronger family bonds, improved health, and a deeper connection to the natural world—will far outweigh any initial challenges you might face.

TAO Te Ching “Wisdom”

/ Robert Bruton / Leave a comment


The Tao Te Ching is an ancient Chinese text that has been translated and interpreted in many ways. However, at its core, the Tao Te Ching is a guide to living a simple, peaceful, and harmonious life.

The Tao Te Ching teaches that the Tao, or the Way, is the underlying principle of the universe. It is the source of all that is, and it is characterized by simplicity, spontaneity, and non-action.

The Tao Te Ching teaches us to achieve a more fulfilling and peaceful life by following the Tao. This means living simply, without striving or attachment. It means being spontaneous and responsive to the moment. And it means acting without force or coercion.

There are many benefits to living a life following the Tao. Some of these benefits include:

  • Increased peace of mind and tranquility
  • Reduced stress and anxiety
  • Improved relationships with others
  • Greater self-awareness and self-acceptance
  • Increased creativity and productivity
  • A stronger sense of purpose and meaning in life

If you want a way to live a more fulfilling and peaceful life, the Tao Te Ching can provide you with a valuable guide. By following the teachings of the Tao Te Ching, you can learn to live in harmony with the natural world and yourself.

grayscale photo of woman sitting on chair
Photo by Juan Pablo Serrano Arenas on Pexels.com

Here are some specific examples of how the Tao Te Ching can be applied to our lives today:

  • Simplicity. The Tao Te Ching teaches that simplicity is the key to happiness. When we live, we are less stressed and more content. We also have more time and energy to focus on the essential things to us.
  • Spontaneity. The Tao Te Ching teaches us to be spontaneous and responsive to the moment. Living in the present moment makes us more open to new experiences and possibilities. As a result, we are also more likely to make decisions in our best interests.
  • Non-action. The Tao Te Ching teaches that we should act without force or coercion. When we work this way, we are more likely to achieve our goals without causing harm to ourselves or others.

Many resources are available if you want to learn more about the Tao Te Ching. You can find translations of the text, as well as commentaries and interpretations. In addition, many books and websites offer advice on how to live a life following the Tao.

The Tao Te Ching is a timeless classic that can offer us guidance and inspiration on living a more fulfilling and peaceful life. If you want to improve your life, I encourage you to learn more about this ancient text.

  • Simplicity can help us to focus on what is essential. Living a simple life makes us less distracted by material possessions and other unnecessary things. This allows us to focus on relationships, health, and personal growth.
  • Simplicity can help us to reduce stress and anxiety. When we live a cluttered and chaotic life, it cannot be easy to relax and de-stress. However, when we simplify our lives, we can create a more peaceful and serene environment. This can lead to a reduction in stress and anxiety, which can improve our overall health and well-being.
  • Simplicity can help us to be more present in the moment. When we are constantly bombarded with stimuli, staying current at the moment can be difficult. However, when we simplify our lives, we can slow down and focus on the present moment. This can help us to appreciate the beauty of the world around us and to connect with our inner selves.
  • Simplicity can help us to be more grateful. When we live a simple life, we are more likely to appreciate the things that we have. This is because we are not constantly comparing ourselves to others or striving for more. We are happier and more content when we are grateful for what we have.

If you are looking for ways to simplify your life, here are a few tips:

  • Declutter your home. Get rid of anything that you don’t use or need. This will help to create a more peaceful and serene environment for yourself.
  • Simplify your schedule. Take some time each week to plan your schedule and eliminate unnecessary commitments. This will help you to reduce stress and anxiety and to make more time for the things that are truly important to you.
  • Simplify your diet. Eat whole, unprocessed foods and avoid processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive amounts of caffeine and alcohol. This will help you to improve your health and well-being and to reduce stress and anxiety.
  • Simplify your relationships. Spend time with people who make you happy and who support you. Avoid negative people and toxic relationships.
  • Simplify your finances. Create a budget and stick to it. This will help you to save money and to reduce stress.

Simplifying your life can be a challenge, but it is worth it. Living a simple life makes you more likely to be happy, healthy, and content.

Healthy Positive Mindset

/ Robert Bruton / Leave a comment

A positive mindset can greatly improve your quality of life and help you achieve your goals.

Here are some tips for cultivating a positive attitude:

  1. Practice gratitude: Take time each day to reflect on what you are grateful. You help to shift your focus away from negative thoughts and towards the positive aspects of your life.
  2. Set achievable goals: It’s essential to challenge yourself, but it’s also important to set realistic goals. You can help to boost your confidence and keep you motivated.
  3. Surround yourself with positive people: The people you spend time with can significantly impact your mindset. So surround yourself with positive, supportive people, and encourage you to think positively.
  4. Practice positive self-talk: The way you talk to yourself can have a significant impact on your mindset. So make an effort to speak to yourself positively and encouragingly, and try to eliminate negative self-talk.
  5. Find the good in every situation: It’s not always easy, but try to find the silver lining in every case. Maintain a positive mindset even when things don’t go as planned.
  6. Take care of yourself: It’s hard to maintain a positive mindset if you are not taking care of your physical and emotional needs. Make sure to get enough sleep, eat a healthy diet, and take breaks when necessary.
  7. Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness is being present at the moment and focusing on your thoughts and feelings without judgment. It can help you to gain perspective on your thoughts and emotions and can also help to reduce stress and anxiety.
  8. Take breaks: It’s essential to take breaks and give yourself time to relax and recharge by helping to prevent burnout and keep you feeling positive and energized.
  9. Seek support: If you are struggling with negative thoughts and feelings, it can be helpful to seek support from a friend, family member, or mental health professional. They can provide a fresh perspective and help you work through your challenges.
  10. Celebrate your achievements: Don’t forget to celebrate your achievements, big and small. You can help to boost your confidence and motivate yourself to continue working towards your goals.
woman in red floral shirt lying on grass field
Photo by Andre Furtado on Pexels.com

By implementing these strategies, you can cultivate a positive mindset and improve your overall well-being. It may take time and effort, but the benefits are well worth it.

Stay in your Lane

/ Robert Bruton / Leave a comment

One of the best lessons I have learned; stay in my lane. Don’t get caught up with the drama, political bullshit, or anything that you personally have no control over.

When you learn to stay in your lane, you take care of what you do have control over. First and foremost is to handle your business. Getting caught up in the news or life events that we simply have no control over is counterproductive.

Taking care of our own life, our family should be our primary focus. If you let outside influences ruin your day. Ask yourself, “Why would I do that to myself.” The answer should be, “I’m not.”

god, church, jesus

We could get twisted up about Washington’s political hogwash and let that steal our joy. Ask yourself this question: “Do I have the ability to change anything in Washington outside of my vote?” Probably not, so why worry. It does not matter who is there; we can all pick apart the political process.

What should matter is how we process each day. How we interact with our family and relationships. “Am I living a life God would say, Well Done!” That being the case, the rest of life is nothing to stress over.

Staying in your lane means to live the life God has planned for you. Do the work in front of you that is from your heart. Don’t allow outside influences to steal your peace, joy, and happiness.

Prioritize your life so that nothing can interfere with your joy. Organize your life to win!

  1. Have a productive daily routine. 
  2. Stay off Social Media during productive times. 
  3. Pray and meditate on the life you desire. 
  4. Keep God first in all you do. 
  5. Focus on body, mind, and soul daily. Healthy habits. 

Stay in your lane! 

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Time to Take Out the Garbage

/ Robert Bruton / Leave a comment

Over our lifetimes, we can accumulate a landfill of garbage in our heads. This is garbage that has taken a lifetime to gather. However, it is now time to empty the trash, let’s go learn how!

Let me share the same advice with you that my mother bestowed upon me. “It took you a lifetime to break your life, have the patience to allow change to occur.”

Christian, Faith, Self Improvement

She is right; it has taken a lifetime to accumulate so much trash, it may take a garbage bag or a hundred to empty out our noodle. The good news is a lot of the garbage can be taken out never to return simply because you are ready for change. You are right?

What exactly are we talking about, garbage?

  • Negativity
  • Fear
  • Hopelessness
  • Self-Loathing
  • Depression
  • Addiction

You get the idea!

Let’s plot out an action plan for change:

  1. Make the decision you want to change your life. Whatever it is you feel you need to change, decide that today forward no more. The new you is at hand.
  2. Organize your life so that you can feel like you are achieving something every day.
  3. Learn how to quiet your mind. This will take some practice but will be the most fantastic thing you can do for yourself. Use headphones, find some relaxing meditation music, sounds, rain, etc. Turn off anything that will disturb you and on get somewhere no interruptions! Cannot stress that enough. Learn to relax and quiet your mind. This will open your mind and allow you to just relax.
  4. Let God know what you desire and ask for the wisdom to find what you seek.
  5. Get healthy. Walk to relieve tension in your body. When you’re healthy, you will be less fatigued. Your body will respond better to change.
  6. Find something that is NOT about you. Volunteer and help others. Doing something that benefits others has an incredible cathartic result.
  7. Learn to be thankful right where you are. Let God know every day you love what you have. When you are okay where you are. God will see that you can have more than you are ready for more in your life. Gratitude is a wonderfully blissful peace in your mind.

Don’t overload yourself. Pick a couple of things and do them consistently. We stop change because we overwhelm our brains. Believing we must do all this stuff to get a replacement now. Slow down, and change will come more quickly.

Someone shared with me, “the state of my house is in direct correlation with the state of my mind.” Look around for clutter. Get the clutter out of your life. No, it’s not organized its confusion. Desk, car, home, or office. Organize!

When deciding what your life should look like take the following OUT of the equation:

  • Don’t have the money.
  • Don’t have the time.
  • Don’t have the resources.
  • Don’t have enough education.
  • Too old or too young.

When framing a new life. Do it from the world is your oyster. You have NO obstacles in the way. I can hear some of you, I don’t have money, I don’t have time!

Learn quickly that in life, you can throw up an obstacle to stifle yourself. If you believe in something enough, PUT FORTH THE WORK TO ATTAIN IT. What you need will come to you someway somehow, even when you see NO idea at all.

Give this to God. Let him see you working diligently, stay in faith. You don’t know how, but you know God will make a way.

Hebrews 11:1-6 King James Version (KJV)

11 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

Do everything you can to make your dreams come true. Cannot sit on your duff and expect God to just Miracle a million dollars in your bank. That is called the lottery!

You must condition yourself to release negative thoughts as they enter your mind. This is a pass you need to fumble. Drop the ball, let it go, don’t even try to catch the negative thoughts. Easier said than done, I get it. However, you can acknowledge the idea with a resounding “Delete.”

happy, woman, life

Meditation helps with this. See yourself happy, loved, and doing the life you want. The big difference in having the experience you wish to versus having a life you are stuck with. None of us are stuck, oh, you might think you are, but you are not! That much I am 100% on.

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Robert Bruton Author of Ten Christian Self Improvement Books available at Amazon