Taking Time to Recharge and Appreciate the Little Things

By: Elizabeth Redhead Kriston

photo by Elizabeth Redhead Kriston

In anticipation of a much needed respite, I am posting a poem I wrote years ago while on the most relaxing vacation I ever had. It is so easy to get wrapped up in all the responsibilities of being an adult. We put so many things first: our kids, our jobs, our spouses, our friends, our homes, and the list goes on.

Those things are important and they make us whole. They make our lives special and unique and important. However, it becomes easy to start drowning in all of that. Before we know it, we begin to suffocate under all the pressure to be present for everyone else and we realize we need a minute to learn to how to breath deep again.

I urge all of you to recognize your importance. I encourage you to take time for yourself. If you lose yourself and your ability to breath, you will be no good to everything and everyone else that is important in your life. It is not selfish to put yourself first from time to time. In fact, I argue, that it is selfless.

So take the time to re-energize your body, mind, and spirit. Take some time to appreciate the little things in life. Take some time and enjoy my poem.

Camping

by: Elizabeth Redhead Kriston

Photo by: Elizabeth Redhead Kriston

Windows down, wind whirring, rushing, whipping through our hair.
Music from our favorite radio station fades into snowy noise.

Leaving the buildings and billboards behind.
A smattering of barns, houses, and hay bales appear.

Oceans of cement and pavement replaced by green fields and blue skies.
No more people or cars clutter the streets. Cows and trees line the roads.

A river bends and winds switching sides of the car.
We cross bridges as we follow it to our destination.

We exit the highway. 
The wind becomes a breeze scented with wildflowers and manure.

No more sounds of whirring pavement below us.
Gravel crunches beneath our tires.

The blue sky is hidden beneath a canopy of green.

The air cools and becomes moist with moss and damp leaves.

We find our spot deep within the forest, park, and step out into this world of nature.
Sounds, smells, and sights intoxicate us with a sense of calm and wonder.

Listen, it is so quiet.
Listen again, new sounds are everywhere.

Rustling leaves, bugs buzzing, birds chirping.
Water trickling, ground crunching, animals scurrying.

The crackle of the fire warms us and makes us think of food.
We cook and eat and laugh and talk.

Sleepiness overwhelms us and we sleep a deep, restful sleep.
We rise with the sun, grateful for this time to relax and appreciate the calm.