Sometimes you don't realize what you needed until after you've done it...
This past Saturday, I did much of the usual things I do...I watched some good football, messed around the house a bit, did little here, did a little there... I had afternoon plans for a photo walk with some friends, but that unfortunately was cancelled. The weather was perfect and the evening showed great promise, just prior to a forecast that called for a couple of days of rain. I thought to myself, "I really should go out and do something while I can, and to, at the very least, say that I did...maybe I'll see something worthwhile to shoot and hopefully share at some point". Little did I know, it wasn't just something I should have done, it was something I needed to do.
Walking the trails as the sun was preparing to descend for the day was the perfect time and setting. The air was beginning to chill and you could just see your breath. A lightweight coat was just right. Working my legs a bit every now and then on the hills and watching for wildlife was truly therapeutic...and I know many of you know what I mean. I hiked the trails for nearly 3 miles and was actually getting a little frustrated at having not seen a single moose (people I had met on the trail assured me there were moose ahead "about 5 minutes up". As I was cresting a rise on the trail, I said under my breath, "Okay, time to turn around". Just then, I looked up and there were 3 cows just down the hill grazing and mulling around in the alders and brush. I laughed out loud - maybe I should have declared my frustration earlier! After a few frames (they weren't in the best position nor was I going to infringe on their space any more than I was) I turned and began the hike back out.
Just like many others, I am so lucky to live in a place where I can drive a few miles and have countless trail heads at my disposal and views that people literally have on their bucket list, hoping that they get the chance to travel to one day. I certainly don't take that for granted and I savor every time we go out. Oohing and aahing at every turn, clicking away to capture the breathtaking views I see to take home with me and to share with whoever wants to look.
I can't count how many times I have said, "I am SO glad I went out on that hike" since Saturday night. My husband was bummed he couldn't go with me and I am too, because I know he would have loved to have seen it first hand...but a tiny bit of me is glad I got to go by myself and renew and refresh - a hit the "reset" button kind of thing. Little did I know how much I needed that. I think we all are like that from time to time. So next time some tells you to go take a hike, do it! ; )
The Serenity Project is a collaborative photography project featuring words and images from several amazing artists that in some way, bring them encouragement or a sense of peace and calm and it is our hope that the feeling is conveyed and passed on to you. Please continue the circle by going to https://www.jillianbaudry.com/blog/2019/9/serenity-circle-september-2019---a-staycation to find out what she has to share this month.