“Take heart my friend” I hear from my inner voice during the morning’s walk. The words are unexpected, coming from some unknown place inside a convoluted mind – like the windmills of my mind. The words are a welcome reprieve. As I hear them, I realize I can breath easy again, at least for the moment. Amazed at the sudden flip-of-the-switch in my mood, I try not to over think things and simply enjoy the miraculous affect being in nature has on my emotional state. The outdoor atmosphere today couldn’t be much better: the temperature is a near perfect 70º, the wind is mild, the sun is shining, the birds are singing, and the feeling of ease seems to be all around. This morning’s walk was a two-mile stroll with my husband around our neighborhood. We walk together nearly every day and generally take one of several versions of the same route. Today we took a different route. One that meanders through a wooded area and passes by a largish park and duck pond. I felt the tensions of worry and anxiety melt away as we walked, and wondered why this relaxed carefree attitude is so hard to hold onto. I didn’t come up with a good answer; so instead, I relished the moment and decided to walk in gratitude.
So I say to you, dear reader: “Take heart my friend.” Life is hard, complicated, and full of uncertainty – I get it – there is a lot to be anxious about. Life is also beautiful, full of wonder, and our time to rest in the wonder is so very short. Spending time outdoors is absolutely beneficial, necessary to health, and entirely worth it. We need to go outside, spend time watching insects and birds go about their business, listen to the water rushing over rocks and the wind rustling through leaves. Do it now if possible, because tomorrow the opportunity may be gone. I say all this as much for myself as for any possible reader. Don’t miss this chance to live today! Yesterday is but a memory, and tomorrow is a mere hope; now is really all we have.
Utterly gorgeous
generous
life- giving prose.