A Walk with Mother Nature

Happy November 1st! I hope the first day of this new month treats you kindly, as well as the rest of the days to follow.

I’ve been working hard to combat my seasonal depression, so the other day I decided to take a solo walk in the woods. While I was on my walk I did my grounding exercise and paid close attention to how my walk made me feel. It was exceptional.

Not often do I do things by myself, so it was quite a big deal for me to get up the courage to go on this walk. It was a small step towards my independence.

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The day was gloomy and blustery, but not too cold for a walk. Autumn colors splashed across the landscape, and I wanted to jump into Nature’s painting. I needed to immerse myself in something beautiful.

As I pulled into the Crockery Creek Natural Area drive, I noticed many cars. I was taken aback because usually I do not share this trail with anyone. I was nervous and excited to see what I’d encounter.

Wind whipped my hair as I stepped out of my Jeep. Cool and crisp, it filled my lungs with fresh air. I closed the door and started on my journey. Past the welcome sign, past the two dilapidated barns, and into the woods I went.

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Fall colors greeted me with such familiarity. Electric yellows, awesome oranges, and vibrant reds spilled all over the canvas. Their leaves whirled as the wind whisked them off the branches, into the air, and carefully laid them on the forest floor. My feet crunched through the fallen leaves and the smell of Mother Earth effervesced through the breeze. It was so natural. So quiet, yet She spoke to me.

Mother Nature told me to be quiet. To be still. To be the observer. For there is much to be seen in her woods. To be heard. To be learned. I walked through her trails with wonder. Enamored by her beauty and grace. It may have been 48 degrees, but in her woods, it felt like I was in her humble embrace.

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I may have been by myself, but I was never alone. I had my thoughts to keep me company and the trails around me to keep me entertained. The water babbled near the trails at times, I could see how high it had gotten. One of the scenic trails I walk with my husband and dogs was flooded at the end. It was a beautiful sight to see how Mother Nature had changed throughout the year.

In that moment, it felt good to be alone. It felt good to be one with Mother Nature. I felt strong and confident. I kept reminding myself I wasn’t in a hurry, I had nowhere to be but the woods. She’d been calling my name for weeks, and in my depression, I began to ignore her. She called out to me daily, beckoning me into her warm and loving arms. Still, I did not listen. Not until today.

I found myself wondering why it took me so long to get here? Why did I stay away from something I love so dearly for so long? I was quite content! Why would I deny myself something so pure and organic? Something I’d clearly been craving? Stopping myself in my tracks, I realized those questions we’re of no importance. The answers did not matter. What mattered was that I was here in this moment, and the moment was everything I needed.

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As my walk came to an end, I almost began to feel sad. Almost like I missed the trails already. I felt like my time spent wasn’t long enough. Then I remembered that this was just a hop, skip, and a jump from my home and I could come here whenever I wanted. I found comfort in the closeness, knowing I could come back. I’d find the same peace and serenity I found time after time. Mother Nature would welcome me with open arms and everything would be as it should.

Crockery Creek Nature Area is a quaint set of trails that is very near and dear to my heart. I wonder, do any of our readers have a favorite hike or a favorite place in nature where they like to escape? Do you have a favorite time of year to go? What do you feel when you’re in your special place?

Thank you for joining me in the woods today. What a lovely way to meet!

Until next time,

Kay 💙