I find that nature gives me joy. Sometimes just sitting quietly in a pristine location is what I need. Other times the joy is deferred, and comes in the wake of a difficult expedition. I like to use the “three types of fun” model to explain the difference.
Below is an adaptation of the concept for outdoor enthusiasts.
In a few days time I will be embarking upon a lengthy journey into some remote wilderness areas. I am not much of a planner, but for the last week or so I have been happily working through my kit making sure all my essential gear is up to par and ready to go. For me the workup is fun. It gives me joy.
The actual trip will be a mix of type 1 and type 2 fun (i hope). I will certainly find moments of happiness while outdoors, and feel some satisfaction as I work through the daily challenges, but I know that I am choosing to do something difficult.
The real joy often comes after. To borrow a mountaineering joke: “You know what I love most about climbing mountains? It feels so good when I stop.”
Stay Wild!
Credit for graphic: https://sketchplanations.com/the-fun-scale
The Wild 
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