When I had the most challenging time of my life Local Guide program gave the opportunity to force myself to get out of my apartment.
I had a seriously rough period in my life when I reached the point that I was not able to socialize or leave my home. After a while I felt that I need something that will give inspire me to at least leave my place. That is when I started to look for not so crowded spots in the nature.
Previously I have hiked with my friends, but never alone. I was not ready to be around people, but I was yet not that confident to go for really serious hikes alone. I was always terrible with maps and directions. However I thought that with my phone thanks to Local Guide program I will not be lost in the nature. So I started to collect different lookout towers and spots with panoramic views and marked them on my “wish to see” list.
After few years I can proudly say that I have visited so many different places that right now all my friends are asking suggestions and some of them are encouraging me to organize trips since I became so involved with not just hikes in the nature, but also in the city. I became obsessed with exploration. Thankfully step by step I managed to feel better and my new obsession became my main hobby.
However I will never forget how much it meant in my dark moments, that I have made plans and I managed to force myself to leave my place even if I was not in the mood. My map was my therapist (as well).
Furthermore that is how I found my dog as well on a rainy day. I thought that it is not a great idea to go outside in a storm, but I was dreaming for so long to visit a particular spot, that I was convincing myself that at least because of bad weather it will not be crowded. That is when I found my dog.
