About The Belonging Project

How would you answer this question: where do I belong?

We are all biologically wired to feel a sense of “belonging”. For some of us, we might use terms like family, friends, our passions, ourselves, God. We crave belonging, yet for adventurers like me, it's a paradox. We're constantly connected to the world and also, nothing. Each adventure, no matter how many, is fleeting – it’s like capturing lightning in a bottle. It leaves us searching for something more, a deeper meaning in humanity, nature, and the unknown.

About The Newsletter

The Belonging Project is your weekly dose of inspiration, exploration, and connection.

Some weeks, we'll dive deep into stories of adventure, resilience, and inspiring people. Other weeks will transport you to magical destinations, packed with insider tips, local gems, and hidden wonders.

Drawing from experiences like living on a farm in the Sierra Nevadas, hiking over 1,000 miles, 200+ days on the slopes, and exploring 43+ countries, The Belonging Project's mission is to share ideas, reflections, and inspiration that fuel your spirit and create a deeper sense of belonging in the human experience.

As a free subscriber

  • Inspiration: Ignite your adventurous spirit, wherever you are on your journey, we will travel magical places and inspire your next adventure.

  • Stories of connection: The raw and real stories of adventure. Triumphs, struggles, and stories of belonging.

  • A community: Connect with others who crave more out of life. This is a space for those of us who yearn for something deeper, connection and are inspired to live their life to the fullest.

Paid Subscriptions, Join other Explorers

To get the most out of your experience with The Belonging Project for $6 per month. Every dollar goes towards to supporting contributors and scaling the project. You will also receive the following:

  • Exclusive Content: Expect the unexpected with exclusive content, filled with stories, reflections, and actionable ideas to fuel your adventurous spirit.

  • Hidden Gem Recommendations: Discover truly unique destinations and experiences you won't find in mainstream guides, including off-the-beaten-path trails.

  • Connect With Other Explores: Connect with fellow explorers, share your own adventures, and find inspiration in the journeys of others.

  • Merchandise: Access to merchandise off your purchase from The Belonging Project Etsy Shop. Plot out your next adventure in one of our journals.

About The Author

Jenny, 32, is a writer, adventurer, and Career Coach based in Southern California. As a career coach, she leverages her experience consulting for over 300 businesses to empower individuals and organizations to achieve their potential. Jenny's own adventurous path has taken her from studying music in Austria and traveling the world to conquering 1000+ mile hikes, skiing for 50+ days per year, and living on a Sierra Nevada farm. Having explored over 43 countries, her passion for adventure is contagious, inspiring others to push their boundaries and embrace their own adventurous spirits.

From the Author

Hi, I'm Jenny. I’m a passionate explorer with an accumulation of experiences and adventures. Beyond the beautiful pictures, I am a human being who loves people deeply and finds connection in authenticity.

We've become lost in a world where social media and loud external noises drown out the true calling of our souls. Instead, we focus on achieving facades. Doing the coolest s***, being the happiest, best versions of ourselves, in the most loving relationship. That’s not real and ultimately, it’s creating a gap in our hearts and minds. No matter what labels we give ourselves and how much success we achieve, we all struggle to feel a sense of belonging.

How do I know this? Because I’ve struggled. Growing up in Southern California, I was obsessed with achieving milestones and was taught that life is this mountain you're constantly climbing until you reach the ultimate peak of happiness. That's bulls***. Life is made up of peaks and valleys and our only guarantee is this exact moment you are reading this.

So, I traded in the metaphor for climbing actual mountains. I wanted to close the gap of emptiness where I spent years putting my life on hold thinking I needed to be in a certain place in order to live my dreams.

I stopped listening to people’s expectations, to the people who told me "I couldn't" and I set my mind to accepting failure as not trying. With this choice, life began to look different at light speed. From living on a farm in the Sierra Nevadas to hiking 1000+ miles, to skiing 200 days, to traveling to 43+ countries, I’ve become addicted to living life and doing what I didn't know was possible.

The journey is not all roses. It’s tempestuous, it’s uncomfortable, but it’s real. Living true to who you are is the only way I can be on this earth and feel a sense of belonging to myself. There are times I ask myself, WTF am I doing, this is crazy. But, I had a conversation with inner child Jenny the other day. I am doing what I have always dreamt of as a kid.

This journey is meant to be shared. Life is not about just belonging to yourself. The more people I connect with, I realize that true belonging comes from embracing shared human experiences and stories.

So, welcome to The Belonging Project. It isn’t a travel blog, it’s a reality check. Stop and ask, am I fulfilling my dreams? Every day is an adventure and an opportunity no matter who you are, how old you are, where you are, and what you believe.

I hope you join me on my biggest adventure.

P.S: I’m a musician / pianist of 20+ years. I love music and will add song recommendations to listen to at the bottom of each article if that is your cup of tea.

Song: The Missing Piece, Max Cooper

Here is The Belonging Project playlist on Spotify

Mammoth Lakes, California
User's avatar

Subscribe to The Belonging Project

Adventure. Connection. Inspiration. Delivered weekly.

People

Adventurer, Writer, Human Being. I am an explorer fueled by connection with people, places and telling raw stories.