Reflections on returning to society after a NOLS course. You know you're a NOLSie when…
- You put off sleeping indoors on a bed for at least a week
- You wear the same outfit 3 (or 4?) days in a row without thinking about it
- You inform everyone around you that you are going to pee
- You have a deep appreciation for fart jokes
- You maintain intentional eye contact in every conversation
- You avoid using gendered words, y’all!
- You actively build community like your life depends on it (wait, doesn’t it?)
- You change your text alert to a gentle exhalation—who needs an adrenaline rush every biiing?
- You rename your contacts Lil Boo and Amped, because humor and levity go a long way
- You continue to buy nonperishable items at the grocery store
- You start the day with sun salutations and end the day by reading climbing books in bed
- You absentmindedly tie your granola bar wrappers into the beginning stages of a water knot
- You find yourself repeatedly saying "strong work!" at the climbing gym—thanks Mike!
- You avoid television like it’s the plague unless the Olympics or Planet Earth are on
- You alter your communication style to match designated personality quadrants
- You ask reflective questions in conversation like: In what ways have you changed? How would you like to grow? What supports your highest self?
- You are utterly unfazed by petty drama and stressful deadlines because in comparison to bushwhacking for 14 hours in unyielding, plastic mountaineering boots while carrying a 60-pound pack (or two Jacques!), it just doesn’t seem like a big deal.
- You orient yourself using the cardinal directions at all times
- Entering an outdoor store immediately brings a sense of deep, inner peace
- You want to plan as many adventures as you possibly can!
- When are we going back?
- Really, when are we going back??
