By NATHAN CARLSON
There’s something undeniably transformative — and yes, even a bit scary — about stepping into the unknown. Whether it’s wandering through the bustling streets of a vibrant city or paddling across the uncharted edges of the many gorgeous and serene lakes that surround us, exploring new environments awakens both body and mind. It sharpens our senses, offering fresh sights, sounds and textures that bring the world into focus. Physically, it builds endurance and strength; mentally, it cultivates resilience, creativity and a deep sense of wonder. In a world where routine often takes the lead, embracing the unfamiliar — whether on an urban adventure or a lakeside escape — offers a powerful reset, reconnecting us with nature, ourselves and the exhilarating thrill of discovery
In today’s world, success is often measured by how comfortable and predictable life has become — secure jobs, stable routines and familiar surroundings create a sense of control. While luxurious bedding, smart home technology, mood lighting and cozy everything provide a feeling of safety, they can also lead to stagnation, limiting personal growth and dulling our sense of curiosity. We were meant to be curious and explore throughout our lives! Over time, the comfort we work so hard to build can become a cage, keeping us from experiencing the thrill of the unknown. Exploring new places and trying unfamiliar things inject energy and excitement into life.
Exploring the unknown has profound effects on the brain, enhancing cognitive function, emotional well-being and personal growth. When we step outside our comfort zone and experience something new, our brain releases dopamine, the “feel good” neurotransmitter associated with motivation and reward. This boosts our sense of excitement and curiosity, making us more eager to learn and explore further. You can start as big or as small as you’d like.
Navigating unfamiliar environments also engages the hippocampus, the brain’s center for memory and spatial awareness. This strengthens neural connections, improving cognitive flexibility, problem-solving skills and mental resilience. I have the belief, from my experiences in life and work as a coach, that mental resilience —the feeling that no matter what goes on externally, you maintain an inner peace — is the most important skill to master.
Beyond cognitive benefits, exploring the unknown reduces stress and enhances emotional well-being. New experiences can lower levels of cortisol, the stress hormone, and increase mindfulness, as the brain is fully engaged in the present moment. Facing uncertainty and overcoming small challenges also build confidence, making us more adaptable in everyday life. Trying something new provides a sense of accomplishment.
Ultimately, whether it’s wandering through a new part of the city or venturing into untouched wilderness, stepping into the unknown rewires the brain for growth, creativity and a deeper appreciation of the world around us. It gets our juices flowing!
For those living in an urban environment, exploring the unknown doesn’t always require escaping to the wilderness — it can be as simple as shifting perspective and seeking out fresh experiences. Here are a few ways city dwellers can embrace adventure and discovery:
1. TAKE A DIFFERENT ROUTE.
Walk or bike through an unfamiliar neighborhood, noticing the architecture, street art and hidden gems along the way. Explore being aware and present in all forms. You can take this symbolic route through anything that’s unfamiliar.
2. TRY A NEW CUISINE.
Visit a restaurant that serves food from a culture you’ve never explored, or challenge yourself to cook a dish with ingredients you’ve never used.
3. ENGAGE WITH STRANGERS.
Strike up conversations with people outside your usual circles — to hear unique stories and perspectives. I would not be sitting here writing my third article for Lake and Company if I had not randomly engaged with a stranger on a patio in Minneapolis who just happened to be the owner.
4. EXPLORE URBAN GREEN SPACES.
Visit lesser-known parks, rooftop gardens or riverwalks to find nature tucked within the city’s chaos.
5. EMBRACE THE NIGHT.
Walk the city after dark to see how its energy shifts — observe the lights, sounds and late-night culture. I do this all the time; I find so much peace in these lights and sounds of the city at night.
6. GO TECH-FREE FOR A DAY.
Leave the GPS and smartphone behind and navigate using instinct, landmarks and curiosity. It is my belief, with no actual proof other than I have zero sense of direction and am completely reliant on GPS, that the part of my brain that handles navigation and sense of direction is underdeveloped due to being from Duluth, where everything is either “over the hill” or “by the lake.” I will pass on giving my own advice here for safety reasons.
For those living in a lake/rural environment, exploring the unknown often means looking at the familiarity with fresh eyes and seeking new challenges in nature. Here are a few ways to embrace adventure and discovery:
1. PADDLE BEYOND THE USUAL.
Instead of sticking to familiar shores, kayak or canoe to hidden coves, uncharted islands or other parts of the lake you’ve never explored.
2. NIGHTTIME ADVENTURES.
Experience the wilderness in a new way by taking a moonlit paddle, stargazing from a remote dock or hiking under the stars to heighten your senses. Our world is so beautiful at night.
3. TRY A NEW OUTDOOR SKILL.
Challenge yourself with survival skills like fire-starting without matches, building a shelter or fishing with handmade gear. Think NEW here, something you’ve never done before.
4. CAMP IN AN UNFAMILIAR SPOT.
Instead of the usual camping sites, set up camp in a new location — perhaps on a beach, a floating raft or deep in the woods. Let’s think about something new!
5. HIKE OFF THE BEATEN PATH.
Venture beyond the well-trodden trails and explore deeper into the woods. There are many paths everywhere, both metaphorically and physically. Don’t be afraid to take them.
6. TAKE A SOLO JOURNEY.
Spend time alone on the water or in the woods, free from distractions, to build self-reliance and connect deeply with nature. There is so much to be learned by being alone with our thoughts. In my experience, this scares people the most. I can assure you that you are fully capable.
By stepping outside their comfort zones and embracing the unknown, those in rural lake environments can uncover new wonders in the places they call home.
Whether in the heart of a bustling city or along the quiet shores of a remote lake, exploring the unknown offers a powerful way to break free from routine, challenge us and awaken our sense of curiosity. While comfort and stability have their place, they can also lead to stagnation if we fail to push beyond our comfort zone. No matter where we live, stepping into the unfamiliar fosters personal growth, deepens our connection to the world around us and reminds us that life’s greatest moments often come from discovery.
I want you to have a long list of adventure stories from your life that make you think I DID THAT to fondly reflect on when you are old and gray. At our core, we are wild animals, designed to discover and to roam free. Keep building the life you love, but don’t forget to travel off the beaten path now and then. You never know
We want to hear from you!
Whether it’s a daring expedition or a simple moment of discovery or self-reflection, we’d love to hear your stories. You can email them to us at hello@thelakeandco.com. We can’t wait to read them!