Happy Place.

You know what is SO fun?  Proctoring an ACT on a Saturday.  I am kidding, not fun at all. But at least I am not one of the poor kids taking that dreaded test.  I still have nightmares about going nowhere in life as a result of my ACT score, standardized tests can really mess with you like that.  Good thing,  is it forced me to sit here and finish my multiple papers due this week AND have time for a blog post.  Lucky you!

I woke up super early this morning and took a drive to my favorite running trail, Waterfall Glen.  This is the trail I ran on all through high school and I love it.  A few miles in and you are completely submerged into forest.  You don’t get that much in Illinois, so its worth the drive there.  The last couple years I have done most of my runs with other people, which is awesome.  But, there is something to be said about hitting the pavement by yourself and just letting your mind settle into that runner’s high.  It’s better than therapy.  I have solved some of my most complicated life issues while out on a solo run.  How often is it that you can just breathe in the fresh air, steady your mind and  “be”?  I have also had solo runs where my to do list starts overwhelming the crap out of me to the point that it causes me to hyperventilate, but that is neither here nor there.

When I am around nature, this feeling of peace and serenity magnifies.  Which is why I love the Waterfall Glen Trail.  Ever since I can remember I just loved being outside, around trees, animals, lakes etc. Growing up I went to all kinds of camps, bible camps, horseback riding camps, you name it.  I loved just be surrounded by nature, meeting new friends, doing team building activities- that was and still is my BLISS.  I swear if I could make a good living off being a year round camp counselor, I would.  My Aunt would also take me on camping trips all over the country with her friends, these trips are some of my fondest memories.  We hiked mountains, went white water rafting and made our own campfires.  During these experiences I felt so fulfilled, so free.  My happy place is nature.

Mt. Shasta Trip with my Aunt, 6th grade

Do you have a place you can think of that you are your happiest?  When you are there, you just simply feel at peace and you feel like your full self?  Maybe its on a bicycle, home with your kids, on a beach…doesn’t matter what or where it is, that is your happy place. We need to spend more of our time in our happy places, find a way to make that happen. Don’t wait for retirement, don’t wait for vacation, make it so that you are able to frequently visit this place of yours.  In this fast pace and hectic life, even when you cannot physically be there, try to go to that place in your mind and bring yourself back to center. This is the place you will become more connected spiritually, the place where you can finally settle your heart and your mind.  Where you can be YOU.  What are you waiting for?

Stay blessed in the mess 🙂