22 Ways You Know You’re a NOLSie

Reflections on returning to society after a NOLS course. You know you’re a NOLSie when…

1. You put off sleeping indoors on a bed for at least a week
2. You wear the same outfit 3 (or 4?) days in a row without thinking about it
3. You inform everyone around you that you are going to pee
4. You have a deep appreciation for fart jokes
5. You maintain intentional eye contact in every conversation
6. You avoid using gendered words, y’all!
7. You actively build community like your life depends on it (wait, doesn’t it?)
8. You change your text alert to a gentle exhalation—who needs an adrenaline rush every biiing?
9. You rename your contacts Lil Boo and Amped, because humor and levity go a long way
10. You continue to buy nonperishable items at the grocery store
11. You start the day with sun salutations and end the day by reading climbing books in bed
12. You absentmindedly tie your granola bar wrappers into the beginning stages of a water knot
13. You find yourself repeatedly saying “strong work!” at the climbing gym—thanks Mike!
14. You avoid television like it’s the plague unless the Olympics or Planet Earth are on
15. You alter your communication style to match designated personality quadrants
16. You ask reflective questions in conversation like: In what ways have you changed? How would you like to grow? What supports your highest self?
17. You are utterly unfazed by petty drama and stressful deadlines because in comparison to bushwhacking for 14 hours in unyielding, plastic mountaineering boots while carrying a 60-pound pack (or two Jacques!), it just doesn’t seem like a big deal.
18. You orient yourself using the cardinal directions at all times
19. Entering an outdoor store immediately brings a sense of deep, inner peace
20. You want to plan as many adventures as you possibly can!
21. When are we going back?
22. Really, when are we going back??

Learn more about finding your own NOLS experience here.