Today, I was feeling trapped. It’s December 21, I have been off work for 6 days and I am back home in BC for the holidays. It’s wonderful, but my wife has more plans than I do to visit with friends, and suddenly I realized all I wanted to do was get out there and explore. I’m used to standing and moving around for 8 hours a day at least, and now here I am on vacation with nowhere to go and nothing to do! My legs and body just wanted to be active. My mind craved the excitement of being outside not knowing where to go next.

There was a time in my life when I would have been completely at peace with just sitting around doing nothing, eating Christmas snacks all day, watching TV or playing video games. At this point in my life however, I can barely stand it. I have always loved the outdoors, but now I crave it. My legs get to be active and take me places that I have never been before, and my mind is simultaneously at peace by having my soul nurtured, and also absolutely freaking out with excitement because I get to see all the new things in my new environment.

Whenever I go outdoors, I like to look for the beauty in my surroundings. Sometimes it is so depressing when people focus on every negative aspect of their lives, and I like to remain positive. One of the easiest ways to remain positive for me, is to take note of the beautiful views in this world we call home. The best part is that everyone has a different perspective of what is beautiful, and that means there’s endless content for each of us.

I think the act of getting out and discovering new things has really helped drive me forward to even more activity. I love being outdoors, I love finding interesting plaques and fun facts about whichever park or area of the city that I am in.

Today, I took note of the river that I was walking along while listening to Demi Lovato’s song “Tell me you love me” and rocking out, dancing and grooving along the trail. And you know what? I felt great. I have lost 205 pounds at this point in my life, and it’s the most amazing feeling to be rocking out in my own little corner of world, with nobody else around, and to just be free in myself. I was trapped in my own cage for too many years, and I am finally starting to feel free.

“I am free to run. I am free to dance. I am free to live for you. I am free.” Lyrics from a Newsboys song that I found to also resonate with me today. I feel alive in my soul and body. Exercise is wonderful, and so is the world around you. You don’t always have to workout in a gym staring at a wall. Sometimes all it takes to feel better is to step outside, take a breath of fresh air, and start walking.