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Lost in the Stars

Is it a good thing to get lost at times?

By: brian johns + Save to a List

I grew up in the Boy Scouts with a map and a compass and of course was always taught how not to get lost.  And then as an Army Officer, it was the same story; navigate, navigate navigate!  Haha I am not saying we all want to get lost and distressed in the wilderness, though that has happened to me more then I want to admit over the last 14 months of Adventure Photography.


When I say get lost I am referring to allowing our mind; our emotions; and maybe even our soul to get lost if even for a little. I can be as guilty as anyone but in this era we are connected to our phones in such a way that can trap us from reaching our potential; but its more then just technology.  Often times i think we as a society trap each other by creating perceived norms of how life is supposed to be. "you should go to school because....; you should save money until...; you should settle down and get married before it gets too late or else...; the list goes on and on.


What i am getting at is I think at times we care so much about what others think of us; what the internet or phone says we should be doing; what our teachers say need to do.  I am not saying don't read books, or don't ever take someone's advice; but should we make final decisions based on others opinions? Does our happiness really have anything to do with what the world or society thinks we should be doing?

In the end I think it can be really healthy to just unplug... go to a place that really makes you happy.. maybe its a city, or a beach, or a national park.. and just spend some serious time in solitude thinking about what really makes you happy.  And then its ok to talk to friends, teachers, social media etc and see what they think too. But first do some real soul searching. Figure out for yourself what makes you happy.  Only you will know.  I do this by going deep into the wilderness and doing nothing.  Thats how I get my answers.  

We want to acknowledge and thank the past, present, and future generations of all Native Nations and Indigenous Peoples whose ancestral lands we travel, explore, and play on. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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