Welcome to Gone Wanderin’ Adventures

Hi there, and welcome to Gone Wanderin’ Adventures! If you are reading this first blog post, then I did indeed stick with my New Year’s resolution and created my very own Adventure Blog.

My name is Rachel and I am excited to be starting this new online adventure. From an early age I have been quite determined once I get hooked on an idea. I’d say my life motto is: It will happen, because I will make it happen. This kind of mindset has allowed me to push myself to try new things, move new places, and live life out of my comfort zone. It has been remarkable the different opportunities that I have opened myself up to pursue from developing this mindset of why not try. So that’s why I am here now typing this introduction blog post.

A little more about myself.. I was born and raised in the wild state of Florida. Raised in a small two-traffic light town, that was known for having an exuberant amount of churches and lakes per square mile. I grew up on a lake that we spent countless hours swimming, fishing, and boating on. That was until my mom realized there were more alligators and snakes in it than she thought. Then we got a pool. I have many memories of my family and I spending time outdoors together. Which self-reflecting now as an adult, is probably why I have such a strong connection with nature and feel most at peace when I am outside. After high-school I knew I needed to get out of our small town, so I found myself venturing North to attend college in Cleveland Ohio. I know what you’re thinking, Why Ohio? Well I received a full softball scholarship. So that was an easy decision. Ohio was a great experience, as it was my first time on my own and it allowed me the opportunity to learn how to be independent. It’s also where I made incredible friendships that I still cherish today. But you know Ohio, it was cold and not at all like the sunny southern weather. So after college, it was time to migrate south back to the Sunshine State. I was back home living with my parents for a few months, and I had started taking some Philosophy classes. I vividly remember butting heads with my dad and telling him that Aristotle said that I need to live my life through eudaimonia moments. Which is the concept of a life well-lived or human flourishing. So I developed a plan. I was going to get my scuba certification, move to the Florida Keys, and find a job working on the water. Three months later, I was living on an island in the Keys providing guided eco-tours on Kayaks, Paddle Boards, and Jet-skis. Looking back this was the first time that I recall manifesting what I wanted in life and taking the actions to create my own reality.