Get Out!

It will do you a world of good to get outside, enjoy nature, and leave your worries behind. My husband and I rediscovered that this week.

Photo credit: Wendi Gordon. My husband Steve and I at Palmetto State Park.

When was the last time you went outside, enjoyed the beauty of the natural world, and left your worries behind? That’s what my husband and I did on Monday. We spent the afternoon at Palmetto State Park. It’s about an hour’s drive from our home and provided a welcome respite from the usual stresses of daily life.

As we hiked an easy trail around a lake and another one through the woods, we didn’t read any emails or social media posts. We didn’t hear any political ads. We didn’t learn about the latest violent attack or natural disaster. We didn’t talk about the challenging circumstances in our own life.

Instead, we paid attention to the sights and sounds of nature. We watched grasshoppers jump, butterflies and birds fly, and deer graze. We heard bird calls, animals rustling in the brush, and water flowing over rocks. We learned how important it is to relax and escape the usual realities of life, even for a little while. We talked about the uniquely beautiful world we were immersed in and how grateful we were for the opportunity to experience it.

On our way home, we stopped in the small town of Lockhart. We enjoyed a casual dinner of burgers and fries with chocolate cake for dessert. We also marveled at the county courthouse down the street, which was built in 1894 out of limestone.

Photo credit: Wendi Gordon. Caldwell County Courthouse in Lockhart, Texas.

Where do you go when you need to forget about life for a while? Do you have a favorite place you escape to when you’re feeling overwhelmed? How far away is it, and when was the last time you were there? What makes that place special to you?

If you don’t have one in mind, or that place is too far away to visit anytime soon, you may want to search online for a place that appeals to you and plan a day trip there. That’s how I discovered the state park my husband and I visited and enjoyed so much.

A change of scenery and break from the digital world and other distractions might provide the relaxing and refreshing experience you need to return home renewed and better able to cope with the challenges in your life.

Even if all you have time for is a walk around the block or at a local park, I think you’ll find it time well spent.

---

I’d love to hear about your most recent escape, one you have planned, or where you would go if you could choose any destination. Your experiences or ideas could help me and others discover new places we want to explore!