Why I Started Writing About the Outdoors
1. Introduction
I never planned to become a writer. In my early twenties, I was simply someone who loved being outside — walking along the Galway coastline, fishing in quiet spots, or, more often than I’d have liked, getting caught in the rain. But somewhere between long walks and soaked boots, I realised these little moments were worth remembering. That’s how I came to writing. It became my way of capturing the fleeting beauty of everyday life in Ireland.
For me, it’s not just about describing landscapes. It’s about conveying the stories that emerge when you stop and notice the waves, the rain, or even the silence between them.
2. My Connection with Nature
When I was a child, my father often took me fishing on the River Corrib. More often than not, we came home empty-handed, but I never minded. What mattered was standing on the bank, listening to the water, and watching how the light shifted across its surface. Those early mornings taught me patience, though I didn’t recognise it at the time.
As I grew older, nature became my reset button. Hikes in Connemara, walks in Wicklow, or simply wandering aimlessly around the neighbourhood always brought me clarity. Even a short stroll along the coast could ease a difficult day. That’s the essence of why I write about nature. Not because I have all the answers or incredible adventures to share. But because ordinary days outdoors remind me: life becomes richer when you learn to notice the details. Writing allows me to preserve that feeling and share it with others.
3. How Writing About Nature Changed My Outlook on Life
When I first started writing, I thought I was simply recording memories. But it completely reshaped the way I see the world. Suddenly, I began noticing things I used to overlook: the shape of stones after a storm, soft moss on an old wall, the rhythm of rain on a tin roof.
Through the practice of outdoor writing, I discovered a sense of mindfulness. Sitting on a damp bench with a notebook, I realised that ten minutes of scribbling could slow down my entire day. It brought a clarity I could never find in screens or schedules. The more I wrote, the more my lifestyle changed. I chose to walk instead of drive more often, and I learned to appreciate simplicity. Writing outdoors became more than words — it quietly transformed my approach to life.
4. A Unique Perspective
Ireland itself deeply influences the way I write. The weather isn’t always kind, but that’s what makes it special. You can leave the house under blue skies and half an hour later be soaked through. Strangely enough, that unpredictability has become part of the charm.
When people think of Ireland, they often picture dramatic cliffs or postcard views. For me, it’s the smaller details: mist hanging over Galway Bay, a sudden shaft of light in Connemara, or the wind whispering through the Wicklow pines. These are the moments that make the country unique — not perfect weather, but character. Elsewhere you might find deserts or constant sunshine; Ireland offers texture. Grey skies, the smell of wet grass, laughter with friends in the rain. And it’s in these details that I find endless material for writing.
5. Why I Keep Writing About Nature
At first, I thought writing would just be a hobby. But the more I shared, the more I understood its value. Friends told me my words had encouraged them to go for a walk or reminded them of their own childhoods outdoors. That’s when I realised: this isn’t only for me. That’s the true reason why I write about nature.
It keeps me grounded, but it also gives others a chance to pause and reconnect with their own world. I don’t need to write about great adventures — a rainy morning in Galway can be just as meaningful.
For me, writing about nature is also a way to express my values: simplicity, sustainability, and respect for the land. Not through loud slogans, but through small habits that gradually add up to change. If even one line of mine makes someone slow down or notice the beauty outside their window, then it’s been worthwhile.
6. Conclusion
Looking back, I realise that choosing to write about nature was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It gave me a voice, a practice, and a way of noticing life more deeply. Every walk, every fishing trip, every downpour is now a story I want to tell.
And perhaps that’s the lesson: nature has endless stories, and all we need to do is listen more carefully. For me, writing has become a way of listening. So if you’ve ever wondered whether your own everyday impressions are worth writing down — they are. Step outside, take a notebook, and let the weather, the land, and the quiet moments guide your story.