Nature Journals I - Entry 10

At the beginning of this semester, I did not really think much about what “wild” meant. To me, being outside was just something casual like going to a park or playing sports. When this class started, I honestly felt like I was forcing myself to be outdoors more, especially with assignments like going to the nature center. It felt like something I had to do rather than something I wanted to do. 

But over time, that started to change. The more I was outside, the more I got used to it, and eventually I started to enjoy it. I found myself going on more walks, even when I did not have to. Instead of just staying inside or going from one place to another, I started taking time to just be outside for a bit. It was not anything crazy, but it felt different. I was paying more attention to things around me, like the weather, the trees, and just how the environment felt. 

Being out in places like the Fort Worth Nature Center also played a big role in that shift. At first, it just felt like hard work, cutting bamboo and privet for hours. But after a while, I started to notice more than just the work. I noticed how the space changed after we cleared it, how much more open it felt, and how different it looked compared to before. It made me realize that these wild spaces are not just there for us to look at, but they are constantly changing and need care. 

I also realized that being outside helps me slow down. When you are constantly busy or on your phone, everything feels rushed. But when you are outside, especially in a quieter place, you kind of have no choice but to be present. You start noticing small things without even trying. That is something I did not realize I was missing until this class. So, for me, I need the wild because it gives me a break from everything else. 



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