What The National Parks Mean To Me

Today is the 100th birthday of the United States National Park System and so I have been thinking about all the life-changing experiences I have had in the national parks just in the past year.

I have to admit I haven’t even been to the national park in my own state yet and until the past decade never really frequented designated outdoor spaces.  After all I lived in a place most of my life surrounded by outdoor spaces that I could freely enjoy.  The many woods roads around my hometown of Patten Maine and just the area in general offers so many hidden gems and out in the open gems it is like living in an outdoors paradise.

What I didn’t realize growing up in the open spaces of northern Maine was that there are so many other places with astounding beauty that our government protects for everyone in the world to see and enjoy.

Last year I spent an entire month in arguably one of the most beautiful places our country has to offer, Yosemite National Park.  The park is one of the most accessible outdoor spaces I have ever had the opportunity to experience.  Over the past year, I have had many opportunities to delve into the outdoor places our country has to offer.  From Maine to California, it is remarkable how well done our National and State parks are when it comes to welcoming people of all abilities.

Another thing I found when visiting our National Parks is the people.  Everyone I have ever encountered in the parks is extremely nice and like-minded.  They all are there because they enjoy the outdoors and the beauty of our country.

After living in California for a couple months now I realize more than ever that we live in a fast-paced 24 hour a day world.  Thankfully someone thought ahead of time 100 years ago to set aside places of extreme beauty and solitude to allow us to leave this fast-paced world behind and relax and regroup.  I have heard people say that Yosemite Valley is the healing valley and I believe that.  I am never more relaxed, happy, and at peace than I am when in the outdoors, whether it be near the ocean or in the woods or hundreds of feet up a rock face haha.

On this 100th birthday of the NPS, I would urge you to get out and enjoy what has been set aside just for you.  Experience the relaxation of being outdoors and not hearing sirens or car horns or anything but the wind, water, and animals.  You may find something you have been missing all along.  It really is a life-changing experience.

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