Our Mission

Live simply.

Once in a while, we get into the topic of, "If you won the lottery, what would you do with your winnings?" Every time, that conversation turns into a discussion of the two riches: rich in experience and rich in stuff. We don't need a bunch of stuff. We don't need the most expensive status-symbol clothes, jewelry, or cars. Lots of times, what we really need is simplicity. Less stuff = less stress. A minimalist mindset, some might call it. Does that mean we don't buy things? Of course not. But we buy what truly brings us joy, or what truly serves a purpose. Over the years our travels have become less about the extravagant and more about quality time, soaking in nature, or enjoying a free or inexpensive activity. This is our sweet spot.

Explore with purpose.

In 2020, we both became certified Meditation and Mindfulness Teachers. We've been working on opening our eyes more to our surroundings, using all our senses to experience the world around us. It's amazing how much we miss, even when we think we're noticing things. So for us, exploring goes beyond adventure (though adventure is a big part of it). Explore means to stay curious, to slow down and really soak it all in, and to be unafraid of uncharted territory.

Connect with nature.

Though hiking was never totally absent in our lives, had we known how instrumental it would become, we would have been more cognizant when choosing our place of residence. We had some amazing local parks, but they all required a several-minute drive to get there. Our back yard welcomed birds from the nearby sanctuary, but their song was drowned out by streetcar noise and the air conditioning units of the nearby apartments. Over time, hiking became the gateway to a life of outdoor activities that make up 99% of our leisure time. These activities range from simply sitting in nature, to crazy adventures such as ziplining and parasailing. Little brings us as much joy as being one with nature.

Be cozy.

The inspiration comes from multiple sources. Bohemianism: Adding a variety of textures, bringing outside elements in, and achieving a laidback vibe. Japandi: A blend of Hygge and Zen (Hygge: Danish for a wellbeing-enhancing coziness; that feeling when you're huddled warm under a blanket during a cold stormy night. Zen: offering an art of living that (often literally) grounds you, bringing you harmony and balance). Minimalism: Things having their place in comfort and functionality. Rusticism: Emphasizing natural elements and plush accents. Coastal: Because studies show that subdued blue hues can actually boost mental health.

Learn & grow.

Challenges are learning experiences. Marching into the unknown is full of learning experiences. What is life without making room to grow?

Uplift the spirit.

When planning to hit the road, we watched a documentary on nomadic living, where one of the interviewees was a veteran who suffered from PTSD. He talked about how life on the road greatly improved his mental state. He'd wake up in the morning feeling his anxiety, but then would remind himself, "But I'm going to see the Grand Canyon today." The appeal of exploration helped quiet the trauma reaction. Mental health struggles are a big deal; they are constant battles, even on "good days." And, since brains are so complicated, the solution to mental health improvement will be different in everyone. It's up to us to find what will keep our spirits lifted. Perhaps we'll find things we don't even know about yet.

Pay it forward.

Having these missions for ourselves is only part of the picture. Uplifting our spirits will lead to uplifting others. Living simply will create space for extending kindness and a helping hand. Seeking learning opportunities will include chances to volunteer, to see how others live, and to offer what we can to our fellow man and our beautiful Earth.