Parks Of Calgary celebrates the diverse people, parks, places and partners that make our city unique through community and collaboration. Let us introduce you to one of your neighbours.
Even though we know how beneficial it is for our minds, bodies and souls to spend more time outdoors, it’s often the first thing to slip off our calendars when life gets busy. Between work, family and endless to-do lists, finding time to enjoy nature often becomes something we’ll “do tomorrow” or “make time for next weekend.”
But deep down, we know how much better we feel when we make space for fresh air, regardless of how busy our schedules are — more energized, less stressed, and more connected to ourselves as well as the world around us. So what does spending more time outside mean for you, what does this actually look like?
For one of our Fall 2024 Ambassadors, this nature-loving mama’s solution is simple: intentionally dedicate time to immerse yourself in nature, often and consistently. This has been her secret to balancing family, work and the busy day-to-day, whether it’s a quiet moment in the backyard or an adventurous camping trip in her restored 1973 Trillium trailer.
Keep reading to learn just a few of her habits, thoughts and philosophies so you can apply them and spend more time outside too.
Meet Carrie Keats — Mother, Ambassador & Adventurer
Carrie and her family have called Calgary home since 2007, currently living in Calgary’s northwest community of Valley Ridge. “I’ve always felt a deep connection to Calgary’s parks, rivers and greenspaces,” she says. “I love taking long bike rides, exploring the pathway system, paddleboarding, and swimming in our rivers during the warmer months. When winter comes, I switch to cross-country skiing and ice-skating. In all of our seasons, there are plenty of ways to get outside and enjoy the outdoors.”
Carrie has even found a way to integrate her passion for nature into her role as Operations Support for a Royal LePage brokerage. In this position, she coordinates events, curates a weekly newsletter, and recently spearheaded a walking challenge at the office, inspiring her colleagues to step outside and experience the many benefits of connecting with nature.
Motivated to help her colleagues achieve a better work-life balance, she regularly shares Parks of Calgary resources. “It was a no-brainer for me to get involved with the Parks of Calgary’s community because I too love to encourage people to get out of the house and into the outdoors.”
So Why Prioritize Time Spent Outside?
For Carrie, nature has always been an incredible healer. “Spending time outdoors is essential for our physical, mental and spiritual health,” she explains. “The simple act of walking in a forest and breathing in the oils released by plants and trees can lower cortisol levels, boost the immune system, and improve our overall well-being. It’s magical how nature works. My partner is really into barefoot walking (even in the winter) which also is proven to have many health benefits.”
Over the past two years, Carrie’s family has faced significant challenges as they navigated her partner’s chronic illness. During this time, the outdoors became even more of a lifeline, as they refocused on living a life of health, wellness and simplicity. “Nature has played a big role in helping us reconnect, find strength, and create a sense of normalcy for our daughter, Rosetta. It’s where we go to find peace, together and separately,” she says.
To manage both new and existing priorities, Carrie intentionally plans her calendar to continually balance city life with her family’s love and necessity for time spent out in nature.
3 Ways Carrie Prioritizes The Outdoors (& You Can Too)
Create An Outdoor Daily Habit
While the outdoors has always been important to Carrie, incorporating time out of the house into her family’s daily routine has been a game changer. “I aim to get outside for 8,000–10,000 steps every single day,” she said. “Walking in nature clears my mind and washes away any mental clutter, allowing a sense of calm to settle in. Whether it’s movement or simply sitting in the stillness of nature, I always come away feeling refreshed and recharged after spending time outside.” A few of Carrie’s favourite spots to explore here in Calgary are the Douglas Fir Trail and Bowmont Park.
Set A Goal & Steadily Work Towards It
To honour her 40th birthday, Carrie decided to hike Prairie Mountain in Kananaskis 40 times over 10 months. “It’s one of my proudest outdoor achievements,” she said. “Each hike was challenging, but every trek became a mini-milestone that added up to something I’m incredibly proud of,” she shares.
Carrie has also created a new challenge for herself — to do 1,000 push-ups every single month. Inspired by some of her good friends over the Canada Day long-weekend, who were dropping down to do push-ups on a chairlift at a bike park or in the middle of a party, she is now on month #4 at the time of writing this blog.
Setting big goals like these has challenged Carrie to keep pushing herself physically and mentally, as she prioritizes her health and wellness. So start thinking about what you want to accomplish — is it getting outside daily, trying a new sport or activity, or visiting the mountains more?
Join A Community To Motivate Yourself & Others
When we interviewed Carrie for the Parks Of Calgary Ambassador role, we knew we’d found a like-minded soul who loves and appreciates nature as much as we do. “The outdoors has always been the best place for me to recharge, and I’ve made it my mission to share that with others,” she said. “Whether it’s a quick hike, river dip, daily walk or weekend camping trip, nature provides the space we each need to breathe deeply and find peace.” She chooses to live by a motto from Ralph Waldo Emerson: ‘Adopt the pace of nature: Her secret is patience.’
Before becoming our Ambassador, Carrie played many other roles as an outdoor advocate. She is a certified interpretive hiking guide who has led tours through Calgary’s rich cultural sites, and was an ambassador for Hike365 where she motivated other women to discover the joys of being outside in the fresh air. We couldn’t have found a better adventurer to join our team.
Looking for extra encouragement from a community of like-minded people? Join our free, private Facebook group here.
Whether you’re new to Calgary or you’re looking to spend more time outdoors, Carrie’s best advice for you is this: “When life feels overwhelming, step outside. Mother Nature is one of the best therapists you’ll find. Calgary is such a great place to call home for anyone who loves the outdoors, so use the Parks of Calgary website, resources and social channels to fuel your next outdoor adventure — I know I sure do.”
Do you or someone you know have an inspiring story about how the outdoors or our Calgary community has impacted your life? We’d love to hear it! Email us at hello@parksofcalgary.com for a chance to be featured on our blog.
