Veterans (and Everyone) Deserves to Chase Curiosity & Bliss in the Outdoors

When you get outside, move your body, or try something new, your brain kicks into gear and releases a cocktail of feel-good chemicals!

Dream—Then Go Live It!

Standing at the crossroads doesn’t have to be scary. What's next is supposed to be a little unfamiliar and exciting! For veterans, uncertainty is nothing new—after all, most of us have faced bigger unknowns than a new hiking trail or a different kind of adventure. But here’s the thing: every crossroads is also an invitation. An invitation to get curious, step out of your comfort zone, and rediscover the parts of yourself that may have gotten lost in the shuffle of daily life.

Permission to Explore

Let’s clear something up right away: you don’t need anyone’s permission to explore, heal, or find joy. But if you want it, here it is—consider this your green light. Give yourself the go-ahead to try something new, even if it feels a little wild or out of character. The outdoors is waiting—and so is your next adventure.

Why Curiosity is Your Secret Weapon

Curiosity isn’t just for the dreamers or armchair philosophers. For veterans, it’s the hook, line and sinker. It’s what led you to sign up in the first place, to push through training, to adapt and overcome. Now, that same curiosity can lead you to healing, connection, and maybe even a little joy you didn’t know you were missing.

Remember the first time you tried something totally outside your comfort zone—That mix of the unknown, nerves and excitement? That’s the good stuff. That’s the start of a new chapter or even a new book! Starting over is easy.

Let’s be honest — settling for the status quo is for the birds. So, why stick to the straight and narrow when you could be tearing up a mountain trail, reeling in a trophy fish, or swapping stories around a campfire with folks who actually get you? Veterans know better than anyone that life’s too short to play it safe or let curiosity collect dust.

Maybe you’ve been told to “embrace the suck”—but out here, it’s just about embracing the moment. That means mud on your shoes, wind in your face, and laughter that echoes through the trees. Whether you’re trying yoga on a mountaintop (don’t knock it till you’ve tried it) or learning to ride a horse for the first time, every new experience is a chance to laugh, heal, and connect.

Real Talk: You’re Not Alone

It’s easy to feel isolated, especially after leaving the structure and camaraderie of military life. But here’s the truth: you’re not alone. There’s a whole tribe of veterans' organizations out here nationwide, ready to welcome you with open arms, bad jokes, and plenty of hot coffee.

Action Steps: How to Start Your Next Adventure

1. Visit the National Veterans Outdoors Resource HUB: Head over to www.usvetconnect.com. No logins required just to browse- but only to save for later, no red tape and its free—just a massive directory of free or low-cost outdoor adventures and service dog, the arts programs.

2. Pick Something New: Always wanted to try archery? Curious about equine therapy? Ready to join a group hike or a multi-day retreat? Dive in. The hardest part is choosing where to start.

3. Share Your Story: Your journey might inspire someone else to take that first step. Tag us on Facebook @usvetconnect, send in a testimonial, or just pass the word along.

The World is Wide Open

Here’s your mission, should you choose to accept it: Dare yourself to try something wild. Chase that next adrenaline rush or seek out a quiet moment in nature. Prove to yourself that your best adventures are still ahead—because they are. It is that simple!

The Science: Boost Your Feel-Good Brain Chemicals

Let’s talk about what’s going on upstairs—your brain. When you get outside, move your body, or try something new, your brain kicks into gear and releases a cocktail of feel-good chemicals: dopamine, serotonin, endorphins, and oxytocin.

Translation? Fun in Nature is basically your own built-in pharmacy, no prescription required.

• Dopamine: That “heck yes, I did it!” rush you get after reeling in a big fish or reaching the summit? That’s dopamine, your brain’s reward system, firing on all cylinders.

• Serotonin: Sunlight, fresh air, and physical activity help boost serotonin, which keeps your mood steady and helps fight off the blues.

• Endorphins: Ever heard of a “runner’s high”? That’s endorphins doing their thing—reducing pain, easing stress, and making you feel invincible.

• Oxytocin: Sharing laughs, stories, and adventures with other humans. That’s oxytocin—helping you feel connected and part of something bigger.

  
  

The best part? You don’t need to run a marathon or climb Everest to get these benefits. A simple walk in the woods, or jump in the kayaks, if you're swapping stories around a campfire, or even trying something new like archery or cycling can flip the switch. Every adventure, big or small, is a chance to recharge your mind and body. So, if you want to hack your own brain for more happiness, less stress, and better sleep—get outside, get moving, and get connected.

Final Orders: Dream Big—Then Go Live It

It’s your turn to thrive. The world is wide is open and full of amazing outdoor adventures, and so is your invitation to join in. Visit www.usvetconnect.com, pick your next adventure, and let’s get after it.

-With American grit, unity, and the belief that every veteran deserves a shot at an honest, purposeful life. Together, we honor service, celebrate our freedoms, and keep the spirit of American pride alive, one adventure at a time. I hope everyone is having a great new year so far!