137: EPIC Local Spots Where You Can Unravel Life's Challenges Featuring @HikeAustin's Creator Matthew Guthrie

When was the last time you went out for a hike in the mountains, walked on the ocean, or just experienced nature? Being outdoors can do wonders. So, get your hiking boots or your surfboard ready because you definitely would want to head out after hearing this episode.  Born and raised in Austin, Texas, USA, Matthew Guthrie grew up exploring its greenbelts (i.e. woods) and parks. His passion for the outdoors led him to create Hike Austin, an organization devoted to promoting and protecting the green spaces around Austin. His first visit to Westcave was on an elementary school field trip and he has stayed connected to Westcave ever since. Matthew is a photographer whose work has been published in local/regional magazines. Matthew also has a passion for entrepreneurship and currently works as a producer on The Build Show.  Today, Matthew discusses the mental break you get from being outdoors. Sure, it's difficult to find time – but it takes intention. It's a matter of getting to that headspace where you can turn your head off for 10, 15, or 20 minutes so you can come back to whatever you're doing, feeling renewed and re-energized. Matthew also talks about kindness as well as the importance of nature conservation and how we can all use our imagination to conserve our beloved environment. In this episode, you will hear: How nature is a mental massage to help you untie life's "knotty" challenges Why Austin is one of America's kindest cities? How our mindset is reflected on other people and how we can be more accountable for our interactions How conflict and difficulties can make you a kinder person Why conserving Austin's natural ecosystems should be a priority, especially for newcomers and/or developers  The BEST swimming holes in surrounding Austin, Texas, USA Share this episode with anyone who is curious about hiking in Austin or who wants to learn more about why conserving Austin's natural beauty should be prioritized. Similar Episodes: How to Plan Your Perfect Summer Travel Through Curiosity and Wonder with Author Jenny Herbert, Episode 82 The Secret To Healing Goes Back To Indigenous/Aboriginal Traditions As Told By Joe Williams, Episode 132 Subscribe and Review Have you subscribed to our podcast? We'd love for you to subscribe if you haven't yet.  We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select "Ratings and Reviews" and "Write a Review" then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Supporting Resources: @guthrie.atx @hikeaustin Join Me So many moms are struggling to survive much less to thrive and use their superpower of imagination and for those moms, I have opened a waitlist for moms who want to be first in line for my upcoming book: How to reawaken your imagination to see the greatness in yourself. Here's what you can expect: Every Friday, I share with you an insight that I have uncovered about the book-writing process as a mom and I tell you very practically how to implement these insights so that you can start feeling more confident about someday writing your own story or just on how to use your imagination a bit more each day. If you are a mom who is ambitious and seeks to make the biggest impact possible in her life and teach her kids how to do the same then this waitlist call is precisely for you. Go to www.melissallarena.com/waitlist  You are invited to send me a DM. What did you uncover from this episode? https://www.instagram.com/melissallarena/