I enjoy learning, and it gives me a considerable dopamine bump. I also have a particular affinity for nature. Combining the two gives me some of my best mood-boosting moments. Learn about nature while being in nature? I'm flying high on feel-good neurotransmitters.

We recently moved to a new place with a new natural environment. Shortly after we arrived, I noticed that I couldn't immediately recognize many plants, trees, and birds.

We had lived in our old environment long enough that I could pick out these things on sight, tell by a bird call what it was, and give you the edibility and uses for many wild plants.

I felt somewhat disconnected from my new world. I hadn't realized how much information I had absorbed and retained about the nature I spent the most time in. (Here is where I credit my mother first and foremost for being a font of knowledge when we walked around the natural world. Hi, Mom!)

I have accepted the challenge of learning about the world around me to better connect with it and feel more a part of it. With this first series of prints, I aim to learn about a specific type of ecosystem in our area.

I understand that not everyone enjoys plants and animals the way I do. This exercise can easily be tweaked to suit your mood-boosting project.

Perhaps you enjoy architecture: You can visit the library or purchase a book. Walk the city near you and pick out different buildings with elements described in the book. If you are uncomfortable sketching your subject, how about snapping pictures? These can then be used for a photo journal or scrapbook to make notes about where and when you saw that particular architectural example.

Taking the time to learn about the world can help you be more mindful and feel more connected to the people and places you frequent. It can also help you stumble upon community. People who are also interested in what you may have felt was a very niche subject.

A friend of mine met her now-husband playing Pokemon Go. They met at a Pokestop or gym raid, became friends, and eventually married in the same spot they met!

You never know what will come from following where your interests lead you. Start your adventure!