Sheesh!
After one hour of intense focus, I saved my document and smiled. I'd done it. I'd found the words I'd worried wouldn't come. But, while my writing session wasn't long, it was plenty for my first day back. So I took the afternoon off for some "Jill time."
A few resale shops and a run to Taco Bell later, I drove to a local metropark and stared in awe at the fall colors. The wind made the trees look frisky, and it always makes my heart sing to see leaves blowing willy-nilly in the air.
I took a brief stop at the wildlife viewing area to watch squirrels, cardinals, blue jays, woodpeckers, goldfinches, and even a huge hawk. Then the trails called my name. I hadn't planned on hiking, but the medley of fall colors, the wind, the sunshine, and the wildlife changed my mind.
As I power-walked through a sandy path in the meadow, I just soaked it all in. God's world amazes me, leaves me awestruck. It's roaring loud, yet seems so quiet. It's frenetically busy, yet seems so peaceful. It's full of odd smells that all meld together into a pleasing aroma. It's visually so inspiring, I can't even describe it.
Nothing I could have done would have lifted my spirits more.
If you ever need a boost, head to the park and take a walk. Let God's beautiful world soften and heal you!
On another note, yesterday I had the pleasure of guest posting at Jenny Lee Sulpizio's blog for her Write On, Mom! series. I hope you'll take a few minutes to stop by her fantastic blog to learn a bit about my writing journey. Thanks!
Does nature lift your spirits the way it does mine?
Have a wonderful weekend!
So true. If I can motivate myself to get out the front door, I always feel so much better after a walk.
ReplyDeleteSame here! In fact I'd been having a rough couple of weeks--nothing specific, just general anxiety that comes a few months after a move--and I laced up for power walks each night, amazed at how much better I felt!
DeleteThis is why I love running and why it seems to help with my writing. Whenever I'm stuck, I like to run. It helps the ideas flow. It's not always possible for me to run outside, but I prefer it when I can.
ReplyDeleteYeah, the weather keeps me indoors more this time of year. I'm working on a better workout schedule to get me through winter! Good luck!
DeleteLove the new banner, btw. You're very talented, Jill. :D
ReplyDeleteThanks! :)
DeleteOur entire family is sick right now - started with the youngest and has swept through the rest of us. My husband took a sick day yesterday (I'm SO jealous that he can do that - not an option for mummy!), and mid afternoon, I looked outside, started pulling sneakers out of all the closets, and dragged everyone to the nearby walk/bike trail for an hour-long walk. Just what we all needed! Fresh air and fall glory - perfect antidote to illness.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear your family's been sick. It sure has been going around this fall. I know this isn't scientific, but I do believe fresh air helps! It's got to be better than coughing on each other in a closed room, right? Feel better!
Deleteyes, it most definitely does! I spent one afternoon this week sitting on my front steps. Sometimes doing school with the kids, sometimes just enjoying the beauty of the day. Totally refreshment:)
ReplyDeleteI know! I love being outside. I try to walk even in the winter, too. I don't mind bundling up, and winter in nothern climates can be special. Nature is never as quiet as a mid-January day after a snow. :)
DeleteI always feel energized after spending time outdoors in God's beauty! Especially in Fall!
ReplyDeleteMe too! I want to go back and take pictures, but I'll have to do it soon or all the leaves will be gone. Blink and you miss it!
DeleteOooh, that sounds so nice. I have my routine down with the kiddos in school now, but since I still have one home with me, I don't get much "me" time. I'm going to have to figure that in somehow. I love walks and hikes, and it would be nice to be able to linger and stroll with just me and my own thoughts!
ReplyDeleteToddlers underfoot are lots of fun, but not great for writing! I hope you can find a little "you time" soon!
DeleteThe site looks great. Love how you set a goal to streamline your masthead and did it.
ReplyDeleteYour Thursday sounds great: writing and lunch at Taco Bell followed by a walk. My kind of day. =)
Thanks, Keli! It's something I've wanted for years, but I didn't have the expertise to do it. I'm happy to have everything the way I want it now!
DeleteI DID think of you while I enjoyed my Taco Bell! :)
Your post was almost poetic and very beautiful. I had the pleasure of photographing the fall sunrise two Saturdays in a row. Gorgeous. God puts on quite a show if you stop to look. Glad you had a wonderful outing.
ReplyDeleteLove that--"God puts on quite a show if you stop to look." So true!!
Deletewe have a couple of great metroparks (and 1 marsh) near us, Jill. love to go walking there - helps to clear my head and sometimes I even get story ideas there. The fall colors are an added bonus!
ReplyDeleteI know the marsh you're talking about--we used to walk there often! Beautiful!
DeleteGood for you for starting that book! How true it is that spending some time in God's intense beauty is the perfect way to refresh and energize. And if there's one season I enjoy walking more than any other, it's fall. The beauty takes my breath away (in Michigan, anyway).
ReplyDeleteLynda, I agree! Michigan certainly has a magnificent fall display every year! Thanks!!
ReplyDeleteI'm so proud of you for starting a new book, Jill, and for walking. It sounds like you have a balance in your life. I admire that.
ReplyDeleteRight now my only exercise is my stationary bike and an occasional walk, but I DO love the fall colors out now--so vibrant and energizing!