What a year 2022 has been. From heartbreak to triumph, this year has brought out all the emotions. Being given a platform to talk about equity, inclusion, and belonging has been a lifetime of work, self reflection, and continuous learning. To those who have supported me and believed in the work, know we are just beginning. For those interested, jump on and take the ride with us.
Here's to 2023๐ฅ
#diversifyoutdoors #redefineoutdoorsy #rethinkoutside #outdoortherapy #outdoorsforall #afrosinnature #thisis50s #plussizedadventures #natureishealing #genxoutside #unlikelyhikers #redefineoutdoorsy #inclusiveoutdoors
Had a blast talking gravel, inclusion and belonging with the brilliant crew of @girlsgonegravel
Check it out on Apple , Google or your podcast app of choice. Link will be in my stories
#diversifycycling #diversifyoutdoors #blackgirlsdobike #allbodiesonbikes #plussizedadventures #afrosinnature
Earlier this summer I was given the opportunity to speak at the National Interscholastic Cycling Association's annual conference about inclusion and belonging. Helping create greater representation, inclusion, belonging and safety in outdoor spaces and activities is a truly a passion. I speak, consult and assist in creating opportunities for this to happen. It brings me joy.
Of course with all things like this, within minutes of NICA posting, a troll quickly jumped in.
I invite my friends and associates to monitor what is happening. To be the advocates and allies in this situation. Not to pile on, bully back or troll, but watch, listen, observe, and intervene. Show this person that inclusion is the way. That diversifying isn't a threat but an opportunity.
Accessibility matters. Most know, but for the uninitiated, that yellow area is part of a curb cut. They allow those with mobility issues to transition off a sidewalk safely. They are also great for parents using strollers, someone using a cart, or rolling luggage, but their original use was for wheelchair users. Anyway, I see the first photo often after snow. Sidewalks cleared, but not the curb cut area. Honestly, this one is better than most, at least most of the ramp had been cleared. Even if it then leads to nowhere. Now I don't think this was left undone out of malice, but instead due to it not feeling important to the person who cleared the walk. This isn't also about me taking the time to clear the area. I don't deserve praise for something this small. It to me however, a reminder that we all need to think and then care for all community members, and sometimes it's as simple as taking a few extra minutes to clear a curbcut.
#accessibilitymatters, #seenwhilemoving
2025 was... A LOT. Cruelty louder. Rights treated as disposable. Attempts to erase people and our history.
And yet โ I was surrounded by people who chose kindness, resistance,ย and commuity.
2025ย forced me to think about my future, my body, my time, and what Iโm willing to give my energy to.
I have gratitude for:
Quiet hangs.ย Outdoor miles. Meals w/friends.
Family & friends who didnโt need explanations; were present when I needed,ย and gave space when requested. The texts, calls, cards, visits and check-ins will not be forgotten.
It was another year of nature as a practice, source of joy, and act of resistance.ย Acadia, Los Angeles, St. Paul, Dallas, Orlando, Home. Celebrating 5 years with Afros in Nature. Being reminded that joy, movement, and connection are still possible, and necessary.
I leave 2025 wiser, healing and grounded. I enter 2026 reflective,ย determined,ย and ready to choose things and people that sustain me.ย
Thanks to all who have been a part of this chapter.ย Let's see what's written next.
#thisis50s #genxoutside #seenwhilemoving #plussizedadventures #natureishealing
August 18th is a complicated date in my brain. It's the date my father died unexpectedly. He had developed some heart problems, but none of us knew how bad they were. Over the last 25 years since his death, there's been anniversaries that I've mourned, celebrated, and on occasion, even forgotten.
I got my love of cycling from him. He gave me my first basketball at 3, and my first rose at 12, because he wanted to be the first man to give me flowers.
We were very alike, too much so. It meant that I went from Daddy's girl to us frequently butting heads. Still, even in those conflicts, I wanted him to be proud of me. I think he would be.
So, as the outdoor person I am, I took to the woods today. It was thankfully cooler than the 9th circle of Hell, and the trails were dry despite yesterday's rain.
It was a good 2 hours to think, ponder, and reflect. I'm glad I made that time for me rather than trying to ignore the day or push through as a good GenXer would.
Today, nature truly was healing.
#thisis50s, #genxoutside, #mentalhealthmatters, #plussizedadventures, #natureheals
Warmer days, sunny skies, active parks. Just what this urban outside person enjoys.
#seenwhilemoving #thisis50s #genxoutside #plussizedadventures #diversifyoutdoors #urbanoutdoors #weouthere #mentalhealthmatters #unlikelyhikers
Chilling with the good folks at Lu Lacka Wyco Hundo today...
Always fun to see friends and meet new folks.
#seenwhilemoving #thisis50s #genxoutside #diversifyoutdoors #socialmediamaven
To know me is to know that you'll catch me outside. 2024 brought opportunities to check out new places, see familiar faces and try different things. Like all years, though, it brought its own unique challenges, some of which I carry into 2025. The industries I work in are under attack, and the future is unclear. Thatโs not hyperbole, it's the reality of the direction many in this country have chosen. I'm in it for the long haul. Hopefully, others who share my interests and passions are too.
I go into 2025, not with excitement or dread, but a curiosity of what will unfold, both personally and professionally. I'm way past the point of making resolutions, and just hope for some peace, love, understanding, learning and of course, plenty of time outdoors.
2024 has been a ride. 2025 will be...something. Thanks for being a part of this life chapter, let's see what we write over the next 365.
#seenwhilemoving #thisis50s #genxoutside #plussizedadventures #diversifyoutdoors #allbodiesonbikes #unlikelyhikers
The sun kept trying to come out today. I'm sure that's a metaphor for something...
#seenwhilemoving #thisis50s #genxoutside #plussizedadventures #diversifyoutdoors
Between the time change, decreased sunlight, and cold weather coming in hard and fast, this season transition has been difficult. I'll acclimate, but it's that time when everything first shifts that has me thinking like a toddler screaming "I don't like it!"
Still, I've enjoyed having the last few weeks at home and at least enjoying the fall colors and the golden light that is unique to this time of year.
#seenwhilemoving #thisis50s #thisisoutdoorsy #plussizedadventures #genxoutside #urbanoutdoors #redefineoutdoorsy #inclusiveoutdoors #mentalhealthmatters ##natureishealing #selfcare
