S'more Outdoor

In this episode of NatureFit Family, Brett dives into the topic of anger, stress, and how these emotions can affect our personal lives and family dynamics. He shares his own experiences, emphasizing the importance of recognizing, managing, and releasing internal frustrations before they impact relationships. Brett reflects on the pressures of modern life, the emotions men often suppress, and the importance of setting a positive example for children. He introduces journaling as a powerful tool for releasing pent-up emotions and encourages listeners to spend time outdoors to release tension and restore balance.   Key Takeaways: Recognize the Root of Anger: Stress and frustration often stem from our internal dialogue and how we respond to others. Recognizing these emotions is the first step toward managing them. Journaling for Emotional Release: Writing down your feelings, no matter how strong or negative, can help release built-up anger and prevent destructive outbursts. Impact of Suppressed Emotions: Suppress

In this episode of NatureFit Family, Brett discusses the importance of apologizing to your child, especially when life’s challenges lead to moments of frustration or anger. As parents, we often face overwhelming responsibilities that can affect how we interact with our children. Brett shares a personal story about apologizing to his son and how it’s helped him teach valuable lessons in accountability and grace. He emphasizes the role parents play in shaping their children's emotional responses to life's struggles and stresses the importance of modeling behavior for them to follow.   Key Takeaways: Apologizing Teaches Accountability – Saying sorry to your child shows them that everyone makes mistakes and it’s okay to admit them. Children Learn from How We React – How we respond to challenges and stress is a reflection that our kids pick up on and mirror. Positive Parenting Involves Self-Reflection – Take time to recognize when your reactions are rooted in frustration, and make an effort to correct and apologi

In this episode of NatureFit Family, Brett explores the concept of "common sense" and its importance in modern parenting. Reflecting on lessons from his father and Napoleon Hill's Outwitting the Devil, Brett emphasizes the need to teach children critical thinking and problem-solving in a world full of distractions. He shares a personal story about his son zoning out on a tablet, which inspired him to focus on outdoor time and intentional parenting. Brett encourages parents to break away from digital distractions and engage in mindful activities to improve their health, relationships, and family life.   Key Takeaways: Teach Critical Thinking: Parents should help children develop problem-solving skills, not do everything for them. Reduce Screen Time: Avoid digital distractions and encourage outdoor, unstructured play to promote cognitive development. Reflect and Improve: Use outdoor time to clear your mind and focus on personal growth. Lead by Example: Children learn by observing their parents, so be intention

In this episode of NatureFit Family, Brett dives deep into stress, particularly how it affects families during the winter months. Brett shares insights on why stress tends to spike during this season and offers practical tips for reducing it. He emphasizes the importance of outdoor activities, even during colder months, and explains how parents can model resilience to help their children manage stress effectively. Brett also touches on the negative impact of social media on family unity and communication, urging families to disconnect and spend more time together.   Key Takeaways: Seasonal Stress: Stress increases in the winter due to reduced sunlight and holiday pressures. Planning ahead can help mitigate its impact. Recognizing Family Stress: Decreased communication and increased irritability are signs of stress in families. Awareness is key to addressing it. Combatting Stress: Spending time outdoors, even in the car, and disconnecting from devices helps families relieve stress and bond. Modeling Resilienc

In this episode of NatureFit Family, Brett emphasizes the profound impact that daily outdoor time has on relieving stress, improving mood, and fostering mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being for the whole family. Drawing from his unique experience as a parent at 52, Brett offers insights on how parenting is an unparalleled personal development journey. He discusses the challenges modern parents face, from managing their emotions to setting a positive example for their children. Brett underscores the importance of intentional parenting and self-improvement to shape a family legacy.   Key Takeaways: Parenting is personal development: Parenthood challenges us to grow emotionally and mentally, providing valuable lessons for self-improvement. Daily outdoor time is crucial: Getting outside every day helps release tension, fight anxiety, and regulate emotions. Children learn by example: How parents handle stress, emotions, and screen time directly influences their children’s behavior and coping mech

In this episode of Nature Fit Family, Brett dives into the transformative power of nature and how it can reignite a sense of wonder in others. Brett shares a personal story of taking a friend to a beautiful meadow in Matilija Canyon, reflecting on the joy and childlike curiosity that nature can bring out in people. He encourages listeners to not only enjoy the outdoors themselves but also to help others experience its healing effects. Brett emphasizes the importance of taking children and friends on new adventures, where the beauty of nature can uplift moods and create lasting memories.   Key Takeaways: The Power of Nature: Nature has a unique ability to restore mental and emotional well-being, sparking joy and curiosity in those who experience it. Sharing the Outdoors: Taking others to new natural spaces can create memorable, positive experiences and foster deeper connections. Encouraging Adventure: It's important to encourage children and loved ones to explore and appreciate the outdoors, which can brighte

In this episode of NatureFit Family, Brett shares a heartfelt story about how nature became his sanctuary during a mentally and emotionally draining time in his life. Brett recounts working at his family’s pawn shop, where hearing the struggles of customers left him exhausted. He reflects on how weekend hiking trips allowed him to reconnect with nature, filling him with a sense of peace and restoring his energy. Brett encourages listeners to integrate outdoor activities into their family routines, helping both parents and children develop a lifelong method for managing stress and emotional fatigue.   Key Takeaways: Nature can restore mental, emotional, and physical energy after a stressful week. Outdoor experiences are essential for children, helping them learn how to rejuvenate themselves as they grow. Even small moments in nature, like hiking or camping, can help families bond and relieve stress. Parents should model the benefits of nature to create a lasting legacy of well-being for their children.   Fol

In this episode of Nature Fit Family, Brett blends personal development, positive psychology, and a love for the outdoors to help families create lasting legacies and healthier, happier environments. Brett shares his personal journey, offering practical tips, including a wellbeing checklist and morning routines designed for busy parents. With a focus on intentional living, Brett encourages listeners to reflect on their lives and take steps toward improvement, no matter how small.   Key Takeaways: Outdoor Engagement: Spending time outdoors daily helps improve both mental, emotional and physical wellbeing. Personal Growth: Reflect on your strengths, set goals for health, wealth, and relationships, and work toward them daily. Family Legacy: Build a positive family environment that future generations will appreciate and be inspired by. Practical Tools: Use resources like the Nature Fit Family wellbeing checklist to support personal and family growth.   Follow me on Instagram and join the adventure! I listen to

In this episode of NatureFit Family, Brett shares a heartfelt story about discovering the beauty of exploring local nature before traveling abroad. Reflecting on his college dream of studying in Australia, Brett explains how financial limitations redirected his focus closer to home, leading to an unforgettable hike in Matilija Canyon. He encourages listeners to embrace the adventure in their own backyards, find joy in nearby parks, and reconnect with nature as a source of calm and inspiration for themselves and their families. Brett emphasizes the importance of creating lasting memories outdoors and using nature as a tool for mental, emotional, and physical well-being.   Key Takeaways: Explore Locally: Discover the hidden gems around you—parks, state parks, or national parks can offer profound experiences close to home. Prioritize Nature Time: Schedule regular outings with your family to enjoy the outdoors, helping to foster a deeper connection and shared memories. Utilize Nature for Well-Being: Use outdoor

In this episode of NatureFit Family, Brett dives into the powerful impact of our words, expressions, and actions on our children. Through personal stories and reflections, Brett emphasizes the importance of being conscious of how we respond to the world around us, as our kids absorb and mirror our behaviors. Inspired by Dr. Masaru Emoto's study on the effect of words on water, Brett explores how our positive or negative expressions and words can shape not only our children's emotional well-being but potentially their physical health too.   Key Takeaways: Be Mindful of Reactions: Children closely observe and imitate their parents' reactions. It's crucial to respond thoughtfully to challenges to set a positive example. Positive Expressions Matter: Facial expressions and tones of voice can significantly influence how children perceive their environment and their own emotions. Power of Words: Just as words can impact the molecular structure of water, they can also shape the mental and emotional well-being of our

In this episode of NatureFit Family, Brett dives into the importance of connecting with nature to nurture your mental and emotional well-being. Brett shares personal stories, from his childhood adventures to teaching his four-and-a-half-year-old son to engage with nature in creative and fun ways. He emphasizes the value of stepping outside, disconnecting from distractions, and being fully present in the moment. Through these experiences, Brett offers insights into how parents can lead by example, helping their families connect, grow, and flourish together.   Key Takeaways: Reconnect with Nature: Engaging with nature in simple, mindful ways can help you and your family rediscover childlike wonder and enhance your mental and emotional well-being. Be Present: Setting aside distractions, such as smartphones, and fully immersing yourself in the outdoor environment allows for deeper connections with your surroundings and loved ones. Lead by Example: As parents, showing your children how to engage with the world ar

In this episode of NatureFit Family, Brett talks about the importance of spending time outdoors with your family to connect, grow, and flourish together. Brett shares the story behind the tagline "Connect, Grow, and Flourish," emphasizing the need to reconnect with nature, strengthen family bonds, and pursue personal growth. He also addresses the often-confusing recommendations about how much time families should spend outside, offering practical advice based on his research and personal experiences.   Brett encourages listeners to be intentional about getting outdoors daily, no matter how busy life gets, to nurture both personal and family well-being.   Key Takeaways: Connect with Nature and Family: Reconnect with the outdoors and your loved ones by embracing the childlike wonder of being in nature. This connection is essential in a world full of distractions. Grow Individually and as a Family: Continuous personal and familial growth is crucial. Spending time together outdoors helps create meaningful experi

In this episode, Brett explores the concept of mindfulness and its role in family life. Brett begins by sharing a personal story about how a quote from Earl Nightingale's "Lead the Field" inspired him to see life as an adventure, even in challenging times. He emphasizes that adventure doesn't need to be grand; it's about trying new things and being present in everyday moments. Brett also discusses common misconceptions about mindfulness and suggests that it's less about formal practices and more about cultivating awareness and presence in our daily lives, especially for children. He shares his experience of reducing screen time for his son and replacing it with outdoor activities, reinforcing the idea that children learn mindfulness best through play and exploration.   Key Takeaways: 1. Mindfulness is Awareness: Mindfulness is about being more aware, present, and focused in everyday life, not just through meditation but through conscious living. 2. Adventure in Everyday Moments: Adventure doesn't have to be e

In this episode of the NatureFit Family, Brett introduces the show’s mission to help families connect, grow, and flourish together through nature and personal development. Brett shares his journey of discovering the transformative impact of nature on mental, emotional, and physical health, a passion rooted in his upbringing and solidified during a pivotal experience in Sequoia National Park.  Brett also opens up about a personal challenge where he lost his temper with his young son, prompting a deeper exploration into the importance of the outdoors combined with the science of positive psycholgoy. He describes his evolving philosophy for NatureFit Family: getting outside every day, prioritizing self-care, planning life intentionally, and continually improving oneself.    Get my new ebook The Nature Misconception  Follow me on Instagram. Start your trial with the number one personal development platform at Growth Day (affiliate link)    

In this episode, Brett explores the concept of leading by example, especially as parents. He reflects on the common phrase "Do as I say, not as I do," emphasizing the importance of aligning actions with words. Brett introduces the nine virtues, known as the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—as foundational principles for personal growth and positive parenting. He shares his journey of striving to embody these virtues in daily life, particularly in the face of challenges.   Key Takeaways: 1. Align Actions with Words: Children learn more from what you do than what you say, making it crucial to model the behavior you want to see in them.  2. Embrace the Nine Characteristics: Incorporating characteristics such as patience, kindness, and self-control can positively impact your life and your family’s dynamics. 3. Manage Reactions: Practicing self-control and forbearance, especially during emotionally charged moments, can help you respo

In this episode, Brett explores the importance of reflecting on life's moments, being intentional about personal growth, and understanding the psychology term of "self-concept." Sharing personal stories, such as spending a rainy day with his son and packing soap orders, Brett emphasizes the value of recognizing everyday joys and incorporating them into a nightly review. He also introduces key components of self-concept—self-image, self-esteem, ideal self, and social self—and provides reflective questions to help listeners align their self-perception with their aspirations. Brett encourages listeners to think about their legacy and the impact they want to have on their families and future generations.   Key Takeaways: Reflect on Everyday Moments: Simple joys, like a rainy day or time spent with loved ones, can bring immense satisfaction. Reflecting on these moments can enhance your mood and overall well-being. Understand Self-Concept: Self-concept is a multidimensional view of oneself, including self-image, s

In this episode, Brett dives into the concept of purpose, exploring how to discover what truly drives you in life. He shares personal reflections on how emotions triggered by films and stories can reveal deep desires that might point to one's purpose. He also reflects on his homeschooling journey with his son and how inspiration from unexpected sources can lead to profound life changes. Brett emphasizes the importance of self-reflection, perseverance, and gratitude in navigating life's challenges and staying aligned with your purpose.   Key Takeaways: 1. Purpose is about serving others – whether it’s your family, colleagues, or those you meet along your journey. 2. Emotional reactions to stories and movies can reveal your true desires – pay attention to what stirs your soul. 3. Journaling and listing your desires help clarify your path – over time, this practice can reveal new insights about what you truly want in life. 4. Gratitude and reflection are essential practices for personal growth and cultivating a

In this episode, Brett dives into the concept of change following the pandemic, encouraging listeners to reflect on how they’ve evolved emotionally and mentally over the past few years. He explores the idea of "grit," introduced by Angela Duckworth, as the perseverance and passion for long-term goals, emphasizing the importance of consistency of interest and perseverance of effort. Through personal stories and anecdotes, Brett illustrates how moments of reflection and effort can bring about meaningful change, both personally and professionally. He also shares a heartfelt story about his son, highlighting how a child's determination mirrors the same grit needed for pursuing life goals.   Key Takeaways: 1. Reflection and Change: Post-pandemic life prompted many of us to reflect, but true change requires intentionality and grit. 2. Grit Defined: Grit combines consistency of interest and perseverance of effort—staying focused and pushing through setbacks.   Get my new ebook The Nature Misconception  Pick up your

In this episode, Brett discusses the theme of distractions and their impact on our lives. He shares a personal story of recognizing the constant distractions in daily life, from phones to social media, and how they prevent us from being fully present with our families and achieving our goals. Brett offers practical tips on minimizing distractions, such as turning off social media notifications and journaling about distractions. By being intentional about reducing these distractions, he emphasizes that we can improve our relationships, mood, and overall well-being.   Key Takeaways: 1. Turn off notifications and badge icons on your phone to reduce unnecessary distractions. 2. Journal regularly about the things that distract you and strategize ways to overcome them. 3. Prioritize being present with your family and minimize time spent on social media. 4. Focus on intentional living to achieve personal growth and a more fulfilling life.     Get my new ebook The Nature Misconception  Follow S'more Outdoor on Instag

In this episode, Brett explores the power of kindness and the importance of recognizing the beauty in everyday moments. He challenges listeners to reflect on their own approach to kindness—whether it's innate or learned—and emphasizes the profound impact small, intentional acts of kindness can have on others. Brett also shares personal stories that highlight how, in our fast-paced, self-focused world, we often miss the struggles others are facing. He encourages us to be more present, practice empathy, and find joy in the simple yet beautiful moments life offers. Key Takeaways: 1. Kindness Matters: Small acts of kindness can have a ripple effect on others' lives, especially during difficult times. 2. Stay Present: Focusing on the beauty of the present moment, especially with loved ones, can enrich your life and theirs. 3. Empathy is Essential: You never know what someone else is going through; responding with patience and understanding can make all the difference. 4. Balance is Key: Cultivating kindness and re