Have you taken the time to just BE? Yesterday, I took the time to just BE. I took the time and frequented our By the Lake Park. It was a breezy, both sunny and cloudy day combined, with a cool chill in the air. I brought my camera along to see if I could capture the experience of my day. The first thing most people see and hear as they arrive to the park are all the waterfowl within the lake parameters.

I came upon several large geese looking so majestic as they are. They are not afraid of the passerby’s or the onlookers. This is their territory, and one should respect it.

I sat and marveled at them, and their habitat. Their freeness to do what they want, their ability to get up and fly when they wish to. Oh how it would feel to fly, fly up up and away with the wind caressing your face. Just imagine that feeling. So carefree. All birds intrigue me. I love listening in the early am to the tiny nuthatches as they sing their tunes in the stillness of the morning.

As I sauntered along the narrow walking path shaded by all the very tall budding trees, I came upon a squirrel that moved so quick, it was almost impossible to snap a picture of the little brown critter. But then to my suprise, he stopped, and we held a gaze for the longest time with one another. It was like we had a connection.

I continued on my way passing others who were enjoying the freedom to ride a mountain bike for exercise, friends strolling along sharing deep thoughts and concerns, some having picnics, and others walking their beloved dogs. I’m a very observant individual when it comes to my surroundings. I often ask myself, “What is going on in their world?” We all have journey and a story to tell.

I asked the mother of the cute little indigenous boy if I could take his picture as he walked along, driving his green remote control vehicle with not a care in world as he passed me by. Oh to be a child again. It is a is a very special experience that is filled with wonder, curiosity and a huge sense of exploration in this big wide world we live in. There is a sense of joy, happiness and innocence that we tend to lose as we become an adult. All those traits often leave us as we grow older.

While we cannot return to being a child again, we can definitely attempt to recapture some of that sense of wonder and curiosity by going out into our world with an open mind and a willingness to explore, make new memories, and just BE.

As I neared the end of my stroll, I came upon this memorial that was created with bright colors of rocks, beautiful flowers, a budding tree and other symbolic momentos. I took a moment to reflect upon the horrific news that was announced a few short years within our community, of a young gal that had lost her life, here at the park in a drowning incident. I remember that day, that announcement. My heart hurt for that family to which I did not know, for the loss of losing a loved one, especially someone so very very young.

Because we do not know the day, nor the hour, nor the minute of our departure from this world we live in, won’t you take a cue from all the children, and approach life with a sense of playfulness, curiosity, laughter and freedom? Try new things, take new risks, even though it may feel uncomfortable and silly.

By living more freely we can experience so much more joy, fulfillment and happiness within our lives. What are you doing to create yourself a more abundant joyful life? Let me know! I would love to hear from you.

From Home on the Ranch

Sue

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