In the late 1990s, my best friend and I would often spend hours exploring the woods behind our houses. One summer afternoon, we stumbled upon an old, abandoned waterfall hidden deep within the forest. We were both about 12 years old at the time and had never seen anything like it before. The way the sunlight filtered through the trees and danced across the water was nothing short of magical. As we approached the falls, I remember feeling a sense of awe and wonder that I'd never experienced before.

As we stood there taking in the breathtaking scenery, my friend and I started to feel brave and decided to explore further. We made our way behind the waterfall, where it was cool and misty. The sound of the rushing water surrounded us, creating this sense of seclusion and intimacy. It felt like we were in a secret world that nobody else knew about.

I remember feeling so carefree at that moment, laughing and playing with my friend behind the waterfall. It was as if nothing else mattered except for the beauty and freedom of being in nature. Looking back on it now, I can see how those moments helped shape me into the person I am today – appreciative of life's simple pleasures and always looking for new adventures to fill my senses.

I've carried that sense of adventure with me ever since, and I love taking risks and stepping out of my comfort zone. I think it's because of those early experiences exploring nature that I'm not afraid to be myself or try