Finding new joy outdoors by reconnecting with your inner explorer

Life is a journey of transformation, and our interests often evolve as we navigate its twists and turns. What once filled our days with excitement might eventually fade, making way for new passions and experiences. This shift can be both challenging and liberating, as we learn to embrace change and rediscover what truly brings us joy.

Throughout high school, I immersed myself in a variety of sports such as basketball, netball, European handball and athletics. Sports were central to my identity. I thrived on the adrenaline of competition, the camaraderie of teamwork, and the satisfaction of every win and well-executed play. For years, sport was my outlet and my joy, shaping who I was. At University, soccer became my primary focus, and I continued to play in various teams beyond the Uni days for well over two decades.

But then, something changed. It began with injuries in my mid 40s, brought upon also by over-training which forced me to step away from the game I loved. Live and learn! I didn't anticipate that during this break, my relationship with soccer would start to shift. I had always expected that, after a long recovery and extensive physiotherapy, I would return with the same drive and passion. However, when I finally returned to the pitch recently after taking a few years off, it felt different. I realised I had lost the love for it.

It wasn’t just the injuries; I realised that over the years, my priorities had evolved. What once satisfied my competitive streak now felt more like an obligation rather than a joy. I remember standing on the pitch, thinking, I don’t belong here anymore.

It’s a strange and unsettling feeling when something that once energised you no longer excites you in the same way. It’s tempting to hold on, to keep pushing, hoping that the passion will return. But I had to face the reality that the fire was gone and wasn’t coming back.

And that’s okay.

We all change. The things that once fit perfectly into our lives can lose their meaning as we grow, as our interests shift, and as our values realign. It’s not a failure—it’s a sign that we’re evolving.

So, what’s happening to me? Well, it seems I’ve decided to reinvent my idea of fun. As a kid, I spent hours until dusk exploring the Aussie bush with my best friend Charlotte, imagining ourselves as intrepid adventurers. Fast forward to me at 50, and I’m channeling that childhood spirit in some pretty unexpected ways. I’m tackling solo hikes, dusting off my hubby’s neglected e-bike for some serious joyrides, and leaping off cliffs with the Blue Mountains Adventure Company. It turns out that my quest for new thrills isn’t about competition but about embracing personal growth and discovering what truly excites me. The ultimate adventure now involves pure joy and self-discovery.

As I embraced this new direction, I realised that life is about seasons. There was a time when soccer was a huge part of my world, teaching me discipline, teamwork and resilience. That season has passed, and now I’m stepping into a new one—one filled with the thrill of the unknown and the different outdoor experiences.

Letting go of something you once loved doesn’t mean losing a part of yourself. It means making space for something new, something that aligns with who you are now. The beauty of change is that it opens doors to new experiences, passions and ways of being.

So if you find yourself where the things that once brought you joy no longer light you up, know that it’s okay to move on. It’s okay to evolve, to explore different paths and to find new loves. Life is about growth, and growth often means leaving behind the familiar in pursuit of the unknown.

And who knows? What you find along the way might surprise you.