Stepping Outside My Comfort Zone

Launching Life Between the Trails Nature-Based Wellbeing Sessions

Over the past few months, Life Between the Trails has quietly transformed into something I never imagined it would become. What started as a personal reflection on the importance of slowing down and spending time in nature has led me to prepare for my first nature-based wellbeing sessions here in Alsager. Honestly, it feels both exciting and a little terrifying. Stepping into something new often means stepping outside of your comfort zone.

Where the Idea Began

Life Between the Trails began during a challenging period in my life when everything felt overwhelming, and my mental health was struggling. At that time, walking the dog felt like a chore. I forced myself to go rather than wanting to. But during those walks, I noticed something important: even when I didn’t feel like going, being outside shifted something within me.

Nature didn’t fix everything, but it steadied me.

Slowly, I began to realise that the moments I felt most grounded were often when I paused to notice what was around me—the light filtering through the trees, the sound of the wind, the rhythm of my footsteps. This realisation inspired me to start Life Between the Trails, where I share reflections about nature, wellbeing, and the importance of slowing down.

As I continued reflecting on those experiences, I eventually wrote a book sharing my journey and the role nature played in supporting my wellbeing. Writing it helped me realise just how powerful those simple moments outdoors can be. It wasn’t about grand adventures or long hikes; it was about slowing down and appreciating the natural world around us.

From Reflection to Action

For a long time, Life Between the Trails existed as writing, ideas, and personal experiences shared with family. Yet, over the past few months, I kept returning to the same thought:

What if I could create a space where others could experience this too?

Could I give others the time to stop their busy lives and take some time for themselves?

Would others appreciate and benefit from this as much as I did?

The more I pondered and discussed it with those around me, the more encouragement I received. I began to believe this could be something truly helpful for the community. As a Health Care Professional, I always strive to support others and make the group accessible for everyone.

I started to envision how I wanted these sessions to look:

• Not a fitness group.

• Not a structured programme.

• Not therapy.

  
  

Just a gentle, welcoming space outdoors where people could slow down, notice nature, and spend time together without pressure. This idea eventually blossomed into the Life Between the Trails Nature-Based Wellbeing sessions, which I’m now launching in collaboration with Hub & Health Alsager.

Learning as I Go

One of the things I’ve learned while setting this up is just how much there is to consider behind the scenes. When you have an idea that seems simple, like spending time outdoors, it can be surprising how many practical steps are involved in turning it into reality.

There have been numerous things to learn along the way:

• Writing risk assessments

• Considering safeguarding

• Organising insurance

• Setting up booking systems

• Creating session plans

• Designing leaflets and information

• Advertising and networking

• And more…

  
  

None of these tasks are particularly glamorous, but they are all essential for creating something safe, thoughtful, and welcoming. Like many new experiences, I’ve been learning as I go.

Stepping Outside My Comfort Zone

Putting something out into the world always comes with a level of vulnerability. There have been moments where I’ve wondered:

Will anyone come?

Am I ready for this?

What if it doesn’t work?

Will people like it?

But I keep returning to the reason Life Between the Trails started in the first place. Spending time in nature helped me when I needed it most. If these sessions create a space where even a few people feel calmer, more connected, or less alone, then it will have been worth stepping outside my comfort zone.

What the Sessions Are About

The sessions themselves are intentionally simple. They focus on:

🌿 Sitting in nature

🌿 Noticing the environment

🌿 Gentle nature-based activities

🚶 Optional short strolls

☕ Optional tea and chat afterwards at Hub & Health

There is no pressure to talk, walk far, or participate in any specific way. Sometimes, simply being outdoors together is enough.

The Beginning of Something New

This feels like the beginning of a new chapter for Life Between the Trails. Not a perfectly planned one, but one that feels meaningful to me. Like many things in life, it’s something that [hopefully] will continue to grow and evolve over time.

For now, it’s about taking the first step. Or perhaps more fittingly for Life Between the Trails… seeing where the path leads.

If you’re local to Alsager and curious about joining a session, you can find more information via the booking link https://NaturebasedwellbeingLBT.eventbrite.co.uk. You’d be very welcome.

For updates on the sessions or if the ethos of Life Between The Trails resonates with you, follow along on social media @lifebetweenthetrails.

In many ways, Life Between the Trails, the writing, the book, and now these sessions all stem from the same place: a simple reminder that slowing down and reconnecting with nature can support us in ways we sometimes forget.