Nature is somewhere I go to when I need peace, just to have a moment to myself. When I was younger and even now sometimes I used to go on the trampoline or the hamaca in the backyard of my house and lay there taking in my surroundings. I would watch the trees above because they looked so alive and really made me feel relaxed. I also watch the sky and the clouds because the sky is always a beautiful calming color and the clouds are always moving, which helps me realize we are on earth and are moving just like the clouds. Being outside on the trampoline or on the hamaca would zone me out from anything I was doing, like school, tv shows, or arguing with my siblings. It was a safe place to think to myself about many things. For example: “why do I always procrastinate, I need to get rid of that habit”, “I’m so thankful for my family and everyone in my life”, “thank you God”, “I’m going to work really hard for good grades”, “I wonder where I’ll be in ten years, I hope everyone and myself are happy”, “I’m bored”, etc.

Sometimes my siblings would also come outside and lay on the trampoline with me and we would play a game with the clouds, trying to figure out what the cloud shape reminded us of. It felt like a nice bonding moment, we would also always end up talking about life and memories we had, sometimes trying to embarrass each other. We still have the trampoline and I don’t go out on it anymore, mostly because of the bugs. When it’s not so cold out anymore I think I’ll lay there for a while in peace with my thoughts.

Another time I would use nature was to just look at its beauty and admire it. While my mom drove and I sat in the back with my siblings, I always wanted the window seat because I wanted to look out the window and see everything. It was one of the only times I get to admire nature because where we live there are just other houses and trees, and yes the trees there are beautiful too, but I see them every day. When we drive around I see a landscape of the sky, trees, buildings, and people. I really like observing anything and I think it’s because I like having something different and new to observe, think, and wonder about. I feel like I would rather want to observe something than watch a movie or be on social media. Because of this I really like to take the window side of a car or bus so I can see as much as I can.

Now when I go outside it isn’t always to do something for myself, but usually to go to my neighbor’s house aka my grandparents and uncle’s house. I play with my younger cousins who live next door outside and I always enjoy those moments when I spend time with them because they are always growing and so am I. I want them to have a joyful childhood outside like I did when I was younger. I always make sure to make time for them and play with them outside because they don’t go out as much as they used to because of technology now. They have their own iPad or phone and though they really like watching youtube they still enjoy hanging out with their cousins running around in the backyard. I also like playing with my younger cousins because I want to stay a kid longer and play outside and jump on the trampoline. I don’t like to stay indoors all the time because I feel like I’m wasting my time as a young person who is only fifteen and will regret not doing more while I’m young and don’t have to worry about too many overwhelming responsibilities.

I didn’t notice to appreciate nature more until I started writing this essay and will make sure I do that more now. When I look back at my memories and this essay nature has been there for me a lot and is a big part of my life. Many past memories had nature in it like the paragraphs above and like making mud pies and volcanoes with my siblings and cousins. I am going to prioritize going outside more and enjoy what nature has to offer. Don’t forget nature is right outside your doorstep and technology isn’t everything in life. Hopefully, after reading this essay you too will appreciate nature more and take time in your day to go outside and enjoy life.