Detour Diaries
Dare to Detour is the supportive wellness community you deserve.
We invite you to join us for the journey, as we reconnect with ourselves — mind, body, and spirit — and step into a new way of being.
Why I Always Talk to Uber Drivers
There's something magical about travel that opens up unexpected portals of human connection. As someone who believes deeply in the power of genuine conversation, I've made it a personal mission to chat with my Uber drivers wherever I go. And let me tell you, my last trip to National Finals Rodeo (NFR) in Las Vegas was a masterclass in unexpected storytelling.
The Essential Post-Holiday Walk
The weekend after Thanksgiving is the ideal time to gift ourselves the simple, yet profound, healing of being outside in nature before the rest of December unfolds. Trust me, you deserve it. I know the enticement of planning and celebrating can be captivating (and stressful), but there's magic in solitude and silence too.
60 is the New 60
This year, something profound shifted for me. As I approach 60, I'm no longer resisting aging—I'm celebrating it.
The Dare Guide to Gifting
Throughout the year I’ve found myself returning to the same well-loved products, resources, services, clothing, and gear. Once I fall in love with something, I rarely change my mind. From my favorite travel wrap to the best facial to my go-to suitcase, my trusted camera and lenses, and even the jewelry I put on each morning—these are the things that I love and use every single day.
Questions for the Thanksgiving Dinner Table
Happy November! Whether you dressed up for Halloween, handed out candy, or stayed cozy inside, the turn into November marks the holiday season for us all. With holiday gatherings and celebrations around the corner, I wanted to plant a seed...
My Morning Routine
I'm one of those people who enjoys the start of a new week, but still, it takes me a moment to shift my gears over to the work week. Most morning look like this…
59 for 59
This summer I turned 59—my final year in my 50s! Up until now, I dreaded my birthday. Being in the middle of summer always meant my friends were away and celebrations were scarce. The main highlight was the angel food cake with lemon frosting my mom used to make. Eventually, though, that tradition transitioned into peach pie.
5 Years Cancer-Free
October is a big month for me every year, but especially this year as it marks five years since I received the life-altering news of my breast cancer diagnosis. Five years—a milestone that seemed distant and daunting back then, but today, it stands as a testament to resilience, courage, and the power of embracing that wild Detour life threw my way.
Sydney Ludden | From Postpartum Funk to European Adventure
Traveling with an infant. A daunting task.Traveling internationally with an infant and packing up to be abroad for an entire month? I had some nerves.
Montana Ranch Retreat Recap
Last month marked 8 years of Dare to Detour (!). As I reflect on our recent retreat at the Nine Quarter Circle Ranch, I can't help but feel this might have been our best one yet…
Nico Hurley | A Path Rewritten
I was on a rock climbing trip in Red Rock National Park, Las Vegas, when I woke up to the news that my cousin Kendra had passed away. Although her death was not unexpected, it still hit me hard, like a punch in the gut, leaving me breathless. The death of a loved one can profoundly awaken you to the reality of your own life.
My Birthday Wish
Last week I turned 59—my final year in my 50s! Up until now, I dreaded my birthday. Being in the middle of summer, it always meant my friends were away and celebrations were scarce. The main highlight was the angel food cake with lemon frosting my mom used to make. Eventually, though, that tradition transitioned into peach pie.
How To Embrace Your Tomato Girl Summer
Tomato Girl Summer might have started gaining traction in 2023, but for me, and thanks to my flourishing garden, 2024 is the year I fully declare it to be MY Tomato Girl Summer. Have you heard of this trend?
3 New Things I'm Trying
One thing I’ve learned on this journey is that trying new things can be so invigorating – even if they are “small”. They can awaken our curiosity and truly bring little moments of joy into our day-to-day. These seemingly minor changes can help us get unstuck from a bit of routine and as crazy as it sounds, they also help us build resilience as we learn to adapt and discover this new thing.
My Favorite Hikes in Bozeman
I have a little secret to share. Despite the enthusiasm received on my weighted vest, I am not a person who loves working out. When I moved to Montana, I started hiking. It was like uncovering a treasure trove of nature’s best gifts - and has been my way of tricking myself into getting a great workout ever since. The trails are my meditation rooms, and now that we are in full swing of summer, I’ve been revisiting my list of favorite hikes in/around Bozeman to make sure I check them all off for a visit.
Morgan Marks | Reclaiming My Hunting Heritage
Guest blogger Morgan Marks chronicles her transformative journey from a childhood aversion to hunting to embracing it as a profound, ethical practice. Through lessons learned in the Montana Master Hunter Program, she opens up about the deep connection between sustainable hunting, personal growth, and the natural world.
My Favorite Backyard BBQ Recipes for Summer
In the spirit of gathering and my favorite season (Backyard BBQ season), I wanted to share with you my go-to’s for hosting an easy backyard dinner.
How To Make a Summer Wish List
Summer has officially arrived! Whether you're a sun-chaser or a shade-seeker, there's something undeniably magical about this season. Here in Montana, summer feels like a celebration of life itself. To celebrate, I put together a list of what I want to focus on in the short but oh-so-sweet Montana summer months. What do I want to focus on? Joy, connection, and embracing the fun of this season.
My Guide to London as a Solo Traveler
I took the train ride from Scotland to get to London and spent my 5 days there eating, exploring bookstores, and walking gawking at the spring gardens in bloom. Each day I would simply wander, pop into a cafe, shop, or restaurant, and continue walking about. I stayed in Notting Hill, because why not?!
The 6 Major Detours of my Life
If there’s one thing I’ve learned on my journey of life so far, it’s the power of Detours. Life is a beautiful mess of twists and turns, and each one we take shapes us into who we are meant to be. Up until this point, these are the six major Detours of my life that have led me to where I am today.