I'm really not an outdoorsy person.
As a kid and teen I guess I was more so. We lived near the woods so would spend a good amount of time up in the woods building dens and playing on make-shift swings hanging from trees over hills. I was definitely the most outdoorsy in my family, but I still wouldn't describe myself as outdoorsy.
Since being an adult, I'm definitely an indoor kind of person. I'm in absolutely no way sporty and as I always feel like I have to be doing something, just being sat outside felt like a waste of time.
But I want to an outdoorsy mum. (also check out Henry's reflection in my glasses!!)
Maybe it's because I have a son and not a daughter but I feel like we need to be outdoors more. Boys love sports and bugs and dirt right? Which is much more difficult to achieve indoors.
For me, being outdoors is really important. Getting out and playing in the park, exploring the local woods and wandering the streets of the local cities seem way more worthwhile now I have a small person to do it with.
There's so much to learn from the outside. And so much more space. And other kids too, which Henry loves. Plus getting outside is completely free which is always a bonus, especially for a cash-strapped mother.
We're really lucky that we live near a lot of big open spaces and pretty locations, and Southampton city centre is only a bus ride away. So getting out and exploring really is very achievable.
And as Henry gets older, we can do more proper activities. Not just ball games and playing in sandpits. But making bug hotels for the garden, and searching for critters and different trees in the woods. Pebble dashing by the sea. Painting in the sunshine. Playing at the splash pads and city fountains. Picnics in the parks.
I love this photo - the perfect shot of the ball in the air!!
So I'm going to be an outdoorsy mum. With hats, balls and sunscreen in my bag. I'm going to make the effort that every time it's sunny, or warm, that we go out, even if it's just to the local park.
Being outside is great for my mental health, for my sanity, for Henry and for our bond. So I'm Rachel, and I'm an outdoorsy mum.
