Why I Thrive on the Outskirts
What’s poppin’, people? It’s Dante. Currently going for a walk here along the Schuylkill River Trail in Philadelphia, and today I’m thinking about something important: why I thrive on the outskirts of the city.
You know, why I prefer these long walks along the perimeter, where there’s typically not a soul in sight. I’m alone, in the unknown. It doesn’t really matter where I am in the world, whether it’s my hometown or another city—I absolutely thrive on the outskirts. I thrive on the outside looking in.
Clear Connection to My Mind
When I’m out on the outskirts, I have a clear connection to my mind. There’s just less noise, fewer distractions.
- The trail is quiet.
- Nature surrounds me.
- The river flows, and I stay laser-focused on one goal: moving onwards.
For instance, if I went left, I’d get hit by a car. If I went right, I’d topple into the water and freeze. But when I’m walking along the outskirts, I remind myself that there’s only one option:
“It’s the straight and narrow path onwards, forwards.”
With my camera in hand, I move with purpose, creating photographs. Out here, I’m reminded of how open the world is, how infinite the possibilities are, how much there is to do, to see, to explore. That’s the feeling that flows through me.
Freedom on the Perimeter
When you’re in Center City, surrounded by tall skyscrapers and the noise of traffic, it’s easy to forget that you are free.
- You get trapped in the maze.
- You zigzag through the grid.
- You stop, yield, and watch every sign: Stop. Go. Danger.
“But when you’re out on the skirts, when you’re on your own on the perimeter of town, it feels like there are no rules. Feels like there’s nothing caging me in.”
Out here, I can look up and see the sky. I can look out and see the horizon. There’s no grid, no maze. Just openness.
My Favorite Trail
This trail, the Schuylkill River Trail, is my favorite place in Philadelphia. I walk it all the time. In the summer, it’s a fantastic trail for biking. You can keep going towards the Wissahickon Forest or wind up at Valley Forge.
There’s so much to explore:
- Dirt paths and hidden trails.
- The riverbank stretching endlessly.
- A peaceful escape, even in the snow.
Just now, I saw a biker out here—riding in the snow! There’s always something happening, even in the quiet.
The Path Less Traveled
This pull towards the outskirts isn’t just a Philly thing. I remember being in Mexico City for two weeks. My intuition told me to climb the mountains on the outskirts of the city. Everyone else wants to photograph in the center—markets, busyness, chaos. But I couldn’t stop thinking:
“What’s out there? What’s beyond those mountains?”
When I climbed to the peak, I found some of my most cherished moments and made photographs I’ll never forget.
It’s not about following the same path everyone else takes. It’s about listening to your intuition, taking the road less traveled, and discovering something new.
The Reminder
The outskirts remind me that the world is open. You can go out there, too. You can keep walking, keep moving, keep exploring.
“The outskirts remind me that life is infinite, and the only direction is forward.”
So, whether I’m on the Schuylkill River Trail or climbing a mountain in Mexico, I thrive on the outskirts because out here, I’m free.