MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) – Dineo Dowd is a woman of many titles. Each one is as important as the next.
She is a mother, children’s book author, traveler, and photographer. Wearing all these hats every day shaped her into the woman she is today. But underneath all these hats, Dowd says showing others the wonders of nature is actually what she loves most.
Born and raised in South Africa, Dowd always loved spending time outside, but he didn’t get to do it very often.
“Growing up in South Africa, ‘just go hiking’ wasn’t an option. It was something you saw people doing and wished you could do it too.”
She says her deep love for hiking and the outdoors really deepened while living in Utah, and it quickly became part of her daily life.
“When I became a mother, I realized that I didn’t want to raise my daughter indoors; I wanted her to go outside and enjoy nature.”
Nine years ago, when her daughter Armani was born, the outdoors was instilled in her values. Dowd said her daughter didn’t know anything else.
“The only life she knows is to go outside and go hiking…We were just carrying her on our backs, but when she was a baby, she didn’t have a choice. ” she added, now that she’s older, she has a solid foundation.
Dowd praised the nonprofit organization Hike It Baby for being so welcoming and accepting of her as a new mom.
“I can’t even imagine what would have happened to me if I hadn’t reached out…I knew that’s where I wanted to be and these are the people I should surround myself with. .”
She added that it was difficult because it was her first time being outdoors.
“I didn’t know if I would be able to climb a mountain with a baby in my arms, but with these people I learned that I could.”
Now she is not carrying a baby, but a backpack. Now, she says, “I hold hands with other women and climb mountains together.”
Being part of an organization piqued her curiosity. She started researching state parks on her own and finding new hikes she wanted to go on. There were some hikes I tried to do alone.
“There was a time when I felt more confident and started leading hikes and inviting other parents to come out and join me,” says Dowd. . That’s where her next adventure began.
She believes getting outside is a tool every mom should know.
“New moms, they often struggle with depression. Even if you’re not a new mom, if you have two or three kids, depression can hit you.”Outdoor nature. Spending time inside helps her heal and rejuvenate.
“Luckily, two years ago, I had a group of women who trusted me enough to plan this trip, and 20 of us climbed Mount Kilimanjaro. We all climbed the mountain. ‘I’m going to go up this mountain every year,’ she says.
She said this has made a huge difference to the women’s physical and mental health, and even to herself. What she often notices is the difference between her daughter and other children her age. ”
“There’s a big difference between a child who stays inside and a child who spends time outdoors. And most of the time, kids who stay indoors aren’t by choice…it’s the parents.”
“It’s one thing to say, ‘Let’s go outside,’ while you’re on your phone, but you need to get your kids outside,” Dowd suggests, adding that if you’re going to explore as a family, that’s one thing. is the only way for children to learn about the great outdoors. And that’s exactly what she’s been doing and exploring with her family.
Turning her passion into a resource for families just like her. Today, Dowd, the founder of the Wisconsin Adventure Family, is a pillar of strength in her community and an inspiration to women around the world.
No matter who you are or where you come from, her message is very universal.
“I just want everyone to trade screen time for green time.”
Click here to download the WMTV15 News App or the WMTV15 First Alert Weather App.
Copyright 2024 WMTV. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.
