The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast
Episode: 1KHO 506: 1000 Hours Outside is the Key to Accessing Joy as a Parent | Lindsey Prell, Ordinary on Purpose
Host: Ginny Urch
Guest: Lindsey Prell, Author of Ordinary on Purpose
Release Date: June 19, 2025
Introduction
In the 1KHO 506 episode of The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast, host Ginny Urch welcomes Lindsey Prell, author of Ordinary on Purpose, to discuss the profound impact that spending time outdoors has had on her life as a parent. The conversation delves into personal struggles, the benefits of outdoor play for children, homeschooling, and the importance of community support.
Personal Struggles and the Search for Joy
Lindsey begins by sharing her journey over the past five years, marked by personal suffering and a quest to understand its roots. She recounts her experience in a women's group where she realized that many parents are grappling with similar uncertainties about their lives and parenting choices.
[01:12] Lindsey Prell: "I went on a huge personal growth journey through counseling, through quite a bit of reading... and things have started to fall into place for me."
Lindsey identifies the influence of societal expectations and the constant comparison to others as significant factors contributing to parental stress and dissatisfaction.
[04:50] Lindsey Prell: "What we are seeing is we're seeing sort of like the culmination of people's everything... they're making, you know, this lifestyle out of that."
Impact of Social Media and External Influences
A critical turning point for Lindsey was recognizing how external ideas and social media were affecting her plans and causing confusion within her marriage. She shares how differing visions with her husband regarding their family's future led to a period of frustration and lack of direction.
[04:42] Lindsey Prell: "He sat me down and he's like, I. I'm not sure what our focus is, and we're spending a lot of time spinning our wheels."
Lindsey emphasizes the necessity of looking inward rather than outward for fulfillment and success, distancing herself from societal pressures.
[06:37] Ginny Urch: "You wrote down on page 83, you put in there, be the odd one. And when I was reading this, I had that aha moment."
Finding Community and Support
Amidst her struggles, Lindsey found solace and support through a small group led by Victoria, which proved transformative for her marriage and personal well-being. She describes how reaching out for help led to meaningful connections and communal support.
[15:11] Lindsey Prell: "There was this saving grace... it was just one of those moments for us, and it was so awkward..."
The introduction of Tyler and Hannah, a couple from town who became close friends, further strengthened her support system, illustrating the power of community in overcoming personal challenges.
Embracing Homeschooling and Outdoor Play
Transitioning to homeschooling, Lindsey discusses how her dissatisfaction with traditional schooling systems' limited outdoor time influenced her decision to homeschool her children. She highlights the importance of physical activity and outdoor exploration in child development.
[23:14] Lindsey Prel: "Our son is a rising kindergartner. One of the big positives for us was that he would be able to be physically active way more."
Lindsey shares practical strategies for balancing work and homeschooling by employing nannies who support the educational process, ensuring her children receive ample outdoor time and personalized learning experiences.
[29:06] Ginny Urch: "It's easy to see how homeschooling can be challenging for working parents, but Lindsey shows practical ways to make it work."
Benefits of the Outdoors for Family Well-being
Lindsey passionately advocates for the benefits of outdoor time, sharing personal anecdotes that demonstrate how nature positively affects both parents and children. She describes moments where simply being outside transformed her perspective and enhanced her family's happiness.
[41:37] Lindsey Prel: "It's the overthinking I do as a parent that causes me all this stress and anxiety and worry."
She recounts a memorable experience where her son built a relationship with an elderly neighbor, highlighting how outdoor interactions foster community bonds and personal growth.
[09:09] Lindsay Prel: "It's a beacon of light for me. I see it, and I'm like, oh, my gosh, the adventures that are coming our way."
Shifting Mindset and Embracing Gratitude
A pivotal aspect of Lindsey's transformation was shifting her mindset from seeking external solutions to appreciating her current life. She discusses how this mental shift led to increased joy and fulfillment without the need for drastic changes.
[35:56] Lindsey Prel: "I started to think, well, how can I make my life feel better without doing anything? And I got into this idea about mindset."
This change not only improved her personal well-being but also positively influenced her marriage and parenting, demonstrating the ripple effect of gratitude and appreciation.
[54:32] Ginny Urch: "Appreciate the life you've been given. That's really powerful."
Practical Advice for Parents
Towards the end of the episode, Lindsey offers actionable advice for parents feeling overwhelmed:
- Face Your Struggles: Acknowledge and confront your feelings instead of ignoring them.
- Build Community: Seek support from groups and friends who understand and can offer assistance.
- Embrace the Outdoors: Prioritize outdoor time for both you and your children to enhance well-being.
- Shift Your Mindset: Focus on gratitude and appreciation to transform your outlook on life.
- Be Flexible: Adapt your homeschooling and parenting strategies to fit your family's unique needs.
[55:53] Lindsey Prel: "As an average mom who has her hands overflowing with responsibility, it has been the key to accessing joy as a parent."
Closing Memories
In the heartfelt conclusion, Lindsey shares her favorite childhood memory, a formative experience that solidified her love for the outdoors and adventure.
[58:17] Lindsey Prel: "We went whitewater rafting... I got to go whitewater rafting. It was the most beautiful experience of my childhood."
Key Takeaways
- Outdoor Time is Crucial: Unrestricted outdoor play significantly contributes to childhood development and parental joy.
- Community Support Matters: Building a supportive community can transform personal struggles and enhance family life.
- Mindset Shift is Powerful: Adopting a mindset of gratitude and appreciation can lead to increased happiness and fulfillment.
- Flexible Homeschooling: Balancing work and homeschooling is achievable with the right support systems and mindset.
- Personal Stories Inspire: Sharing personal journeys can spark hope and provide actionable insights for others facing similar challenges.
Notable Quotes
- Lindsey Prell: “[06:37]…today's ideas come in like a never ending torrent of rain. How do we differentiate between the good ideas, the bad ones, and the innocuous ones?”
- Lindsey Prell: “[35:57]…when you shift your mindset, you show up as a better teammate, a better wife, a better mom.”
- Ginny Urch: “[54:32]…when you appreciate the life you've been given, it ripples out and affects other people.”
Conclusion
This episode of The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast offers a deep dive into the transformative power of outdoor time and community support in parenting. Lindsey Prell's candid recounting of her struggles and triumphs serves as an inspiring guide for parents seeking joy and balance in their lives. By embracing homeschooling, prioritizing outdoor activities, and shifting her mindset towards gratitude, Lindsey not only found personal fulfillment but also strengthened her family bonds and community connections.
For more insights and inspiring stories, tune in to The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast and embark on your own journey to reclaiming joy through the great outdoors.