Not Getting Outside Is a First-World Problem

Mount Hood, Oregon

The irony isn't lost on me that I'm writing this entire blog about a first-world problem. In the first world, our lack of exposure to nature is one of our biggest problems. In many places in the third world, people have a problem with too much exposure to the elements. Or, being outside in the natural world is such an integral part of their everyday lives that they'd never dream they could live a life where they'd miss spending time outside.

But the thing about first-world problems? They're still problems.

Crippling consumer debt? It's a problem.

Anxiety and stress? Largely a first-world problem.

Loneliness? A much bigger problem in the first world.

Obesity? Definitely a problem.

I could go on, but just because not getting enough time outside moving through nature is only a problem when you're coming from a place of privilege or a place of some comfort, doesn't make it any less of a problem.

It's still a problem, and we need to face it head-on.