Welcome, The Belonging Project
About The Belonging Project and a note from the Author
How would you answer this question, where do I belong?
I’ve always struggled with this concept and yet, 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. I remember my first memory of facing this existential question.
I was at Disney World with my family when I was six years old. We were in the animal kingdom and we walked into an immersive experience for the movie “A Bug’s Life” (great Pixar movie). It was a child’s dream where they re-created the tall blades of grass and a jungle gym experience as if we were ants in a large world.
I felt a sudden rush of excitement and a voice inside of me that said, “run”. I ran from my parents’ side and began to explore the little utopia. I found a rock with an overhang shielded by a fern and crawled underneath.
For a moment, I disappeared.
Leaves flickered with the shadows of running children. I tuned out my parents' distant calls, tuning into the rushing water from an artificial river. I was on an adventure and I felt I belonged.
Since this early memory and over the years, I treated adventure as this "itch" that I would eventually grow out of. Now, as a 32-year-old, I've accepted that might never happen. I have always belonged to adventure and facing the unknown. I honestly thought this was unique to me, but then I learned over a lot of adventures, that I wasn't alone.
But, there’s a problem.
Being an adventurer, I often feel a paradoxical sense of belonging—connected to everything and yet nothing at the same time. Adventure is like capturing lightning in a bottle: every adventure ends, new ones begin and no matter how many adventures you have you are always facing an underlying deeper search for connection with humanity, nature and God.
In the travel, summit, outdoor communities we over focus on the short term experience versus what is truly rooted at the core of our souls: belonging.
I’m on a quest.
A quest of exploring and connecting with humanity at the depth of their adventures, spirits and why they do it. From big and small adventures and strangers to friends here is what you will find at The Belonging Project:
A home in adventure and embracing the unknown
Unique stories of connection, unknown heroes, triumphs and struggles
A community of people who share spirit of adventure and seek deeper connection
Inspiration for your next adventure
This isn't about travel hacks or gear reviews (maybe some). It's about igniting your adventurous spirit, wherever you are on your journey. Whether you're a seasoned explorer, a curious beginner, a lover of stories, or simply seeking connection, you belong here.
About The Newsletter
The Belonging Project is your weekly dose of inspiration, exploration, and connection, where you can always expect the unexpected. Some weeks, we'll dive deep into personal stories of adventure, resilience, and the journey of finding belonging. Other weeks will transport you to magical destinations, packed with insider tips on trails, local gems, and hidden wonders. We share ideas, reflections, and inspiration to fuel your adventurous spirit, wherever you are on your journey.
From living on a farm in the Sierra Nevadas, hiking 1000+ miles, 200+ days on the slopes, to traveling to 43+ countries, The Belonging Project is an accumulation of connections, experiences and more.
As a free subscriber
Stories of connection: Not just picture-perfect summits, but the raw and real stories behind them. Triumphs, struggles, and real 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.
Inspiration: Ignite your adventurous spirit, wherever you are on your journey, we will travel magical places and inspire your next trip.
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 Weekly Content: Expect the unexpected with exclusive content, filled with stories, reflections, and actionable ideas to fuel your adventurous spirit.
Hidden Gem Travel 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, entrepreneur, and dedicated non-profit volunteer 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
Like your articles! 😀
Like your articles! 😀