What does it truly mean to be Outdoorsy?

The Oxford definition of outdoorsy is:

of, associated with, or fond of the outdoors.

What is your definition of someone who is outdoorsy? Is it someone who spends most of their free time out hiking, hunting, camping, or fishing? Or is it someone who likes to spend time outside on the patio drinking a cold drink. The root word in outdoorsy is just outdoors. Outdoors is just two simple words, out and doors. Or are you like other people when they think of someone who is outdoorsy they have a big bushy beard, drive a 4 wheel drive vehicle, and my favorite is they know how to start a fire with 2 sticks without any matches?

When someone tells me I am an outdoorsy person I always correct them. I am not an outdoorsy person. I am an outdoors enthusiast. But is there a difference a real difference? I know all of this can lead to a thousand different questions and what if’s.

As the holiday season is fast approaching I think that everyone needs to be a little outdoorsy. There is all the research and data that shows spending time outdoors can reduce the amount of stress in your life. And we all know the number of stress people go through during the holiday season. So taking a little bit of time every day, week, or month to spend time outside can really help out the holiday season go great.

One of the great campaigns that were started by REI is #OptOutside. REI started the campaign in 2015. They closed their store on the Friday after Thanksgiving but still pay their employees to go out and enjoy the outdoors. They don’t only encourage their employees to get outside instead of going shopping but they also encourage everyone else to do so as well.

The campaign has grown over the years. They have grown into other campaigns/projects like “Opt To Act”, which is about going green by reducing the use of plastic and going towards zero waste.

This year REI #OptOutisde campaign is calling for the community to come together to build a more equitable and inclusive outdoors where everyone can be themselves and feel welcome. For more on this campaign click here.

Here are some pictures from me over the years as I #OptOutside. Don't forget to share your picture on social media using the #OptOutside and #AdventuresInTexas

"Cheers"