Breaking With “Normal Life”
Being away from home for an extended period allowed participants to distance themselves from
daily routines and distractions, to reflect, and to try out more healthy habits and new roles. This
led to new feelings about their strength as individuals, an outcome mentioned by 14 of the 23
participants.
It removed [us] completely from normal problems and distractions, so we could really think about
working together and, we had some time to think about ourselves too without . . . anything getting in
the way. (Charles)
I was having trouble controlling how much I ate . . . I needed something to just take me out of all
these stresses and help me regain control. I came back and it was better. (Darcy)
It gave me great confidence in myself. I know that sounds a little clich´e Outward Bound . . . but it
really is, you’re taken away from parents, friends. . . showers . . . refrigerator, everything you have
relied upon, and you learn to rely internally. (Eli)