1. Where can people follow you online, and who are your followers?
Hello, my name is Sheila Doherty and I have an active instagram account and starting a tiktok account. I can be found at @hikingunlimited. My followers are anyone who loves to hike, travel or be outside. My account is mostly hiking related and I love to travel and hike so you can see a little of both on some posts. I have a goal of getting to all the National Parks that I am working on.
2. How long have you been actively using social media to share content?
I have been active in the social media scene for a few years. It has been really great for me as I have met some amazing people, done some amazing hikes and I love being outdoors.
3. What led you to begin using social media as a platform, and how do your outdoor adventures fit that platform?
Being outside is what makes me happy and I really enjoy when people are first starting to hike. I remember when I first started and I was so nervous and so slow….ok I am still not the fastest hiker, but I do believe that everyone should be outside hiking or doing whatever brings them happiness. Instagram became my way to motivate and connect with other people. To encourage everyone to get outside and enjoy nature. Everyone has to start somewhere and some time. I hope to inspire people to do just that. Instagram has also inspired my to get out of my comfort zone and solo hike and do harder hikes.
What does nature and the outdoors mean to you?
As a kid I was outside from sunup until the street lights came on. As an adult I know that being outside makes me happy, I enjoy seeing all the beauty this world has to offer and I want to see as much of it as I can. Hiking and the fresh air has a way of making my problems feel more manageable and decreases my stress. Nature is the best medicine that I know…and I am a nurse! We need to treat our planet with the respect it deserves and try to do what we can to protect and preserve it.
5. How do you think social media and other communications can influence good stewardship of the outdoors?
I think social media gets a bad rap at times. I have met so many hikers on IG in real life and they are all amazing people. I also think it is vital that we all get the word out about Leave No Trace. It is important to protect our Earth and all its beauty. Social media can help educate and get the word out there. Social media is a great space to be inspired and learn from others. More people watch/listen to social media than they do TV. It is important for all of us to spread the word to protect our planet.
6. What else do you want people to know about you?
I am married with 3 kids and 2 dogs. I no longer practice nursing professionally but I do consult at times. I am a member of a fantastic organization called Mothers Grace that is a non-profit who helps moms in need and I am the 52 Hike Challenge AZ Moderator.