Accessible Outdoors: Finding Magic in Nature on Your Terms

It’s no secret that I love nature. You’ll find it in my artwork, around my home, and woven through the pages of my books. Before I became chronically ill, I spent as much time as I could outdoors — just me, the breeze, and an audiobook. I even used to do admin tasks perched on a rock in the middle of a river. That was my favourite early morning spot.

Unfortunately, that kind of access isn’t possible for me anymore. As much as I’d love to wander through wildflowers or follow overgrown trails, they’re no longer reachable with my walker or wheelchair. I feel lucky to have had those moments — and I also grieve the loss of them.

That’s one of the reasons nature shows up in my work so often. It’s a way to revisit those spaces and honour the connection I still feel to the outside world. Over time, I’ve found small, meaningful ways to enjoy nature, even with limited mobility. From watching birds from my window and decorating my space with nature tapestries, to visiting accessible parks with my walker or sitting in a friend’s garden, it all helps me to get my nature fix!

For those with sensory needs, I’ve found ear defenders and sunglasses a huge help. I also carry isotonic drinks to manage my energy levels and support myself during a POTS episode.

Nature is at the heart of the new children’s book series I’m working on — where creatures live within and care for their natural environments. I’m especially fascinated by the mycelium network: an underground web that allows plants to support one another. Mushrooms often feature in my stories because of this — a reminder that connection, support, and community are essential parts of both nature and healing.

Over to you:


How do you access nature on your terms? I’d love to hear your stories in the comments.