Life can get busy, and it’s easy to fall into a routine—same places, same sights, same old, same old. But every now and then, it’s worth stepping out of that bubble and exploring what’s out there. Whether it’s a quirky shop, a quiet nature trail, or a bustling recreation centre, there’s something magical about opening your eyes and really taking in the world around you.
I was reminded of this recently while looking at a photo from a visit to All Through the House in Okotoks—a spot filled with vintage treasures, from old Coca-Cola signs to colourful “Drinks” lettering hanging above a collection of antiques. It’s the kind of place where you can’t help but slow down and look closer. There’s a rusted metal scale on a stool, a wooden crate labeled “Canadian Apples,” and walls covered in nostalgic posters. It’s a feast for the eyes, and it got me thinking: there’s so much to see if we just take the time to look.
That’s what exploring is all about—whether you’re wandering through a shop like that one, hiking a forest trail in Alberta, or checking out a local recreation center. It’s about being present and noticing the details. On a nature walk, you might spot a bird flitting through the trees or feel the crunch of leaves underfoot. At a Rec centre, you might discover a new class to try or hear the laughter of kids at a community pool. Each place has its own story, its own little details waiting for you to discover them.
Think about the last time you went somewhere new. Maybe it was a hike, like the one I saw in a video from Alberta the other day—a lone hiker with a blue backpack, walking through a misty forest, just taking it all in. Or maybe it was a shop like the one in Okotoks, where you could spend hours looking at old tin signs and vintage lamps. What did you notice? What made you smile? That’s the beauty of exploring—it’s not just about the destination, but about the act of seeing, really seeing, what’s in front of you.
So, get out there. Take a drive to a nearby town and poke around a local shop. Lace up your hiking boots and hit a trail, whether it’s a rugged wilderness path or a gentle park loop. Sign up for a class at your rec center—maybe pottery or yoga—and meet some new faces. Wherever you go, keep your eyes open. Look for the little things: the way the light hits an old wooden crate, the sound of birds in the trees, the smell of fresh air or the hum of a busy community space.
The world is full of wonders, big and small, and they’re all waiting for you to find them. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and explore—today’s the perfect day to start.
