As the days pass and we get closer and closer to a new year, we can all take a little inspiration from Sandy Ihlenfeld.

Ihlenfeld retired from her job as executive director of the Butler YMCA in September, and in October she flew to Nepal with several good friends to hike to base camp on Mt. Everest.

It was an arduous journey that required Ihlenfeld and her group to hike for up to 10 hours a day — for nine days — as they climbed the world-famous mountain. After 42 miles of hiking and acclimatizing as they ascended, the group reached base camp, where climbers from all over the globe meet to begin their attempts to summit the world's tallest mountain above sea level.

“We all just stood there,” Ihlenfeld said. “It was surreal. I think there was some tears, because I wanted to do it all my life.”

As we get closer to New Year’s and start considering what our resolutions for the new year might be, we could all take a page out of Ihlenfeld’s book.

Making a resolution to include adventure in our plans for 2025 doesn’t have to include a trip to Nepal to enrich our lives. Adventures can be found in our backyard.

Moraine State Park offers hiking, camping, fishing, boating and even disc golf. Kick off the new year with the First Day Hike, which starts at 10 a.m. Jan. 1, 2025.

Adventures don’t have to be outdoorsy; doing anything for the first time can give us new experiences. Visit a winery, go thrifting, participate in a community event, take day trips to new places, enjoy friends and family in new ways.

Take a chance on adventure in the new year, it might make it your best year yet.

— KL