Meet Alexis Lewis | Nature Enthusiast Traveling Inward

We had the good fortune of connecting with Alexis Lewis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Alexis, what’s the most difficult decision you’ve ever had to make?
The most difficult decision I’ve ever had to make is choosing to live the life that aligns with my soul vs. the life that others want me to live. This has led me to pursue creative outlets instead of taking a seemingly traditional route when it comes to current and future endeavors, both monetarily and beyond.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My art is really inspired from what comes from my soul at any given time. Sometimes it’s words, often it’s photography and videography, and recently I’ve gotten into painting as well. The thing that gets me the most excited is a good hike. While I find inspiration in the city from time to time, my true love is nature. I just feel so calm and inspired while surrounded by her.
When I feel inspired, I create. I create photographs from my unique perspective of the beauty I’m surrounded by – sometimes video of the nature surrounding me. I create paragraphs that come from my soul and lived experience + my healing journey.
I actually don’t get paid for any of my creative passions. While I would love to work monetarily in the realm of photography and beyond, creatively, one day – I’m still learning and growing.
Sometimes it’s not easy in the sense of I work a “day job” and don’t have as much time as I would always like to pursue creativity and be out in nature – it’s a hurdle of alignment I’m currently working through. In the same breath, I love what I do creatively as well as publicly when I share my art and that motivates me to keep going.

I’ve learned that if you want something you make it happen. Excuses do not exist. Setbacks make you stronger – they provide direction if you allow them. There’s something to learn from everything, truly.

Grounded N Nature comes from a place of passion. I feel most grounded in nature and inspired as well.

I grew up on a farm in Kentucky for a portion of my childhood and spent a lot of time outdoors. I feel like connecting with nature as an adult has, in a way, healed parts of my inner child. There are a plethora of mind, body and spirit healing properties that come from nature and that’s what keeps me connected.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
As you may have guessed, nature is on the agenda. We will start out with a trip to Saunders Springs, an area to explore in Radcliff, KY which is about 10 minutes outside of my hometown of Elizabethtown. Between the springs, pond, cave and hiking trails there is lots to explore.
The next nature spot we will hit will be Tioga Falls / Bridges to the Past. This is two trail systems about 30-45 minutes from Elizabethtown in West Point, KY. Tioga Falls goes through a beautiful uphill foresty area and ends at a waterfall, while Bridges to the Past goes through an area with bridges, creeks and ends at a cave we can explore.

If we are feeling really adventurous, we can head about 45 minutes out of town to the quint area of Brandenburg, KY where Buttermilk Falls resides. I especially love this place for the plethora of falls as well as easy access with a paved trail the majority of the time.
We will end the trip with my favorite local spot, freeman lake. The 5 mile loop around the lake is the perfect walking spot.
Now let’s talk food. I’m a bit of a foodie and we will likely be preparing lots of whole-food based meals. We will also have to hit up Vibe, a local coffee shop with some of the best coffee, fruit bowls and avo toast I’ve ever tasted. While we’re there we will explore the square in downtown Elizabethtown. Lots of shops, inspiring architecture and walking space.
For a night out, we’ll go to Longhorn – my favorite steakhouse in the area.
If you’re lucky, we might camp out at my dads or grandparents and taste some real good home cooking.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I owe a lot to the online community that I’m a part of over on Instagram. I created @moderndayhippielex, formerly moderndaysoberhippie, after getting sober. I’ve gotten to know a variety of inspiring individuals on the platform that have cheered me on as well as been a light in my life over the last year or so. I would also like to shoutout Jeremy Scott. A friend, poet and fellow human traveling inward to meet himself. A multitude of awakening discussions as well as creative inspiration is owed to him.
My dad, Chris, for always telling me to follow my heart and wholeheartedly supporting my vision from the jump. I get a lot of creative inspiration from him as well as entrepreneurship motivation.
My grandparents, Jan and Dale, for loving and supporting me.
My pup, Luke, for being undeniably dedicated to loving me.

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Youtube: Grounded N Nature

Image Credits
Jeremy Scott (photo of me)