A funny thing happens when you make an effort to Be Outside as much as possible. I don’t quite know how to explain it, but it’s almost like waking up from a really long nap. The sun hits your face, and you can stretch. Blood rushes back into limbs. Muscles flex. And the world around you sparkles a little brighter, like the sunlight is calling you. This is how I’ve been feeling this month, and it’s a lovely feeling. Here are some of my lessons learned.
- I need to be outside. Really. I thought I was doing okay in filtered air with fluorescent lighting. Not so much. My body and mind need to be outside for peace of mind and good health. I’m convinced the smell of fresh cut grass is good for me.
- There’s so much to do. I know. I know. Of course there is. But before I might’ve worried, well, I don’t really know what I was worried about. But now I’m ready for our next big adventure. I carry a change of clothes in the car for the kids. We’re off to what’s new and next and as long as it outside we’re happy.
- And there’s so much more to try. I want to go fishing and ride a boat around Charleston Harbor (the water taxi, if I get desperate). I want to water the flowers in the public gardens for the Charleston Parks Conservancy (I tried to do this during these 30 days, but I was rained out). My awesome friend Jessica suggested an alligator walk or crab catching too. And I want to take lots more photos and remember every second.
- Nothing wears my kids out quite like a day outside. It doesn’t really seem to matter what we do, my kids come home tired. They’ve been taking some truly wonderful naps this month. Some days, nothing could make me happier.
- The smallest challenges can have the biggest effects. This one wasn’t anything profound or difficult. And it was super easy to accomplish. But I feel refreshed and happy and ready to face a new day. In my mind, that’s 30 Days well spent.
What have you learned this month?
