Friday, August 10, 2012

call of the wild


In just a few hours I will be on my way to the Green Mountains of Vermont to hike a 75mile section of the Appalachian Trail. I love the trail. I love spending time in the wilderness where there is no traffic, white noise, congestion, media or daily grind. Even if the daily grind is productive and rewarding. I have learned over the years the importance of getting away for a few days from all that is familiar, including my sweet family, in order to recharge and restore. When I come home, I am a better partner, a better mother and a better friend. I rarely did this when we were raising children but I should have and I encourage every mother who still has children at home to carve a few days out of each year to retreat and regroup. I'm not suggesting a 10 day trip to the wilderness, which happens to be my cup of tea, but anywhere that you can find peace, simplicity and protected time to decompress. Once a year I strap my house, bed, clothes, food, water and generous supply of snicker bars onto my back and take a long walk. The more I walk, the lighter I feel. The stress that life has served up begins to melt away. I look out at such miraculous beauty that has been untouched and unspoiled and I feel gratitude, peace and rejuvenation.
All of this:



is replaced by this:






                                                                                                       Simplicity
                                                                                                         Retreat
                                                                                                    Replenishment

So that I can be transformed from this state of mind after months and months of stress (good and bad) to my mind, body and generally cheerful outlook:
SNARKY LISA

to this:

PLEASANT LISA

Seriously, everybody needs a little break now and then. Find what brings you peace and indulge for a day or two. You will be amazed by how little it takes to recharge so that you can view all the plans, responsibilities, challenges and adventures that lie ahead with enthusiasm and perspective.
See you in a few weeks!

2 comments: