Mom Seeks Renewal Through Nature + Travel

She Who Wanders

Jan 27

A convo with Nesrin from Adventure Mama of 3

Meet Nesrin. World traveler. Nature lover. Joy seeker. Sharing the highs and lows of adventuring with littles ones, she is an inspiration to others to do the work of getting out for adventures, both near and far. She believes that nature heals and gives renewal to the soul, and is taking her kids along every step of the way to instill in them a connection to and deep appreciation for God’s creation. After experiencing emotional healing through spending time in nature as a new mom, she shares her story and encourages others to get outdoors + savor all the precious, short-lived moments of life.

Q: When and how did you first fall in love with travel? Was it a specific moment or experience that stands out?

My firstborn was 2 weeks old. I was trying to cope with being a first time mom and my father suffering a stroke weeks before I gave birth, which had changed our lives forever. I was depressed, hormonal, lonely and just flat out miserable and felt that I needed to escape. But I didn’t know how or what to do and all that came to my mind was to get in the car and drive. So that’s what I did. I drove and drove for a few hours and arrived near sunset to a trailhead. I was nervous as I’d never hiked alone and didn’t really know much about where I was or what I was looking for. I saw a ranger at the trailhead. I got out of the car, slipped my daughter into the carrier and walked towards him pretending to be confident. I asked him what he recommended and he told me - start here and it’s a short trail. Once you get to the divide meadow, just turn back in time to make it back before dark. I asked him, “how do I know when I’ve arrived?” He said “ oh trust me you’ll know.”

I trusted it and started hiking. The tears were flowing and the nervousness was kicking in, but I kept pushing through. Before I knew it I looked up and saw a clear opening with the clouds rolling in and the trees everywhere. It took my breath away. But not just my breath…also my pain. I knew in that moment that being there was exactly what I NEEDED.

Q: The Great Wanderlust is all about women stepping outside of the box and diving deeper in both travel and in life! The mission is to inspire moms and families to feel fully alive through adventure and exploration. What is your great wanderlust? What most makes you come to life??

What brings me absolute joy and contentment in my life is being outside. Whether it’s a group hike for moms, out as a family on a trail, taking my kids out on a hike, just out to explore/appreciate nature, or simply have a picnic. It’s crazy how just doing any of these simple things can lift you up and change your mood and the mood of those around you. When I’m outside with my kids I’m happier, and I feel more alive. I feel connected and rejuvenated to keep on going despite the challenges and the hard days. And of course that energy just spills over to my kids, which to me is everything!

Q: We all love to share the highlights and beautiful moments of traveling with our kids because that’s what we most want to remember. But we also all know life just isn’t like that all the time! What are some of the challenges you experience in traveling with kids, and what motivates you to keep taking them on adventures despite those?

Life is chaos when I’m at home, and that’s real talk! I feel as soon as we head outside everyone is in a better place, and that’s what motivates me to keep taking my kids and going outdoors. The challenge of just getting out the door at times is the hardest! A tantrum here and there. One child doesn’t want to go and would rather stay home. On a good day I may have one on my side who’s excited and wants to help. Then there’s the prep, the backpacks, the water, the snacks , the proper clothing and just getting all situated in the car. Once we get to our destination everyone is happy and having fun, and then I remember why I do what I do.

Q: If you could choose one character trait you’d most like to see developed in your kids, what would it be? What are some ideas of things you do as a mom to foster/grow that character trait in your little people?

It would have to be curiosity! I love when they are eager to learn, imagine, pretend play and ask questions. I feel like that’s what it’s all about. Being curious opens the doors to so much more. Spending time outside exploring nature whether it’s on a trail, on a camping trip, being on a paddleboard or in a car for hours on a road trip! All of these opportunities foster so much curiosity and opportunities for growth in our kids' little minds, and there’s nothing I love more!

family of 5 stands at the edge of the ocean Nesrin Tarablosi @adventuremamaof3

Q: Part of the heart behind The Great Wanderlust is how adventure and getting out in nature is good for the physical body, but even more so for the heart and soul. How does adventuring/traveling in nature impact you in mind, body and spirit? How do you see that same impact happening in your kids?

The impact I see in myself and my children when we are outside is that everyone just feels happier and at peace. Something about spending time in the outdoors that truly is just uplifting and provides the greatest reminder to us of the higher power (GOD) and all of his perfect creations that surround us. My kids will just marvel about the beauty of the cloud formations, the green hills, the blue sky and the blossoming flowers. Surrounded by endless beauty, it’s hard to not be grateful and appreciative for what we are able to see, experience and feel. The blessings are endless.

Nesrin Tarablosi @adventuremamaof3 muslim women on the edge of the ocean

Q: Where is one place you’ve traveled that captured your heart and made you never want to leave? What was it about that place that was so magical?

This is a hard question to answer. I feel that every place is beautiful in its own way, and there’s so much to be appreciated no matter where you are. I find myself to be somewhat like a chameleon and can easily adjust wherever I am. I would love to continue to travel the world and experience as much of it as possible with my family before I commit to never wanting to leave a place. A part of me feels like I could never say I truly wouldn’t want to leave a place because I’m always ready and up for a change!

Q: Where are you off to next and what are you most looking forward to about it??

We are headed to BANFF this summer and I am stoked about it! It has been on my list for so long!! I’m really looking forward to visiting a few national parks in Canada , swimming , paddle boarding, hiking and just taking in all that gorgeous beauty with my family!

Q: Is there a question you wish I would have asked or anything else you’d like to share with other mamas relating to travel or life?

I would love to say that sometimes it seems so hard to get outside with your kids or book travel with a big family but honestly just do it! Don’t second guess, don’t overthink, just take the leap and you won’t regret it!

Q: Who inspires you to dig deeper in travel and life?

There isn’t a specific person that inspires me to dig deeper into travel but rather a drive in me that I can’t quite explain. I have this constant urge to want to travel and experience places in a way that will change and inspire me as a person to be the better version of myself for myself and for my children.