Sometimes You Just Have to be Outside

Yesterday was just one of those days that was just too beautiful to stay inside.  We ate lunch on the porch, then reluctantly went back inside to get back to work.  On my walk up the hill to get the mail I took a little detour by the lake stopping at the children’s playground to sit on one of the swings.  Then I gave a little push off and before I knew it I was “pumping” my legs, going higher and higher.  I imagined I was a bird, flying through the air.

Finally, reluctantly, I came back to earth and began the trek up the hill.   After I got the mail I kept going around the loop at the top of the hill and passed the mailboxes again.  It was just too nice to be inside so I kept walking.  Then I saw one of my neighbors sitting on a bench and joined her for conversation beginning with it was just too nice to be inside.  People drove by and talked to us, asking her if she was going to Bingo.  No, it was just too nice to be inside.  Finally a workman came to talk to her about a project she wanted done, so I headed back down the hill.

Bob was out on the porch with an empty popcorn bowl.  I went in a popped myself some corn and joined him.  After all it was just too nice to be inside.  We did eventually go back in and get back to work, but were outside again for supper.  It started to turn off cold so I went inside and eventually Bob joined me when it was getting ready to rain.  I sat in my studio watching it rain, remembering what a nice day it had been.

Now I know you’re thinking, but you’re retired, it must be nice to be able to do that.  We do still work, but we don’t punch a time clock anymore so we do have the flexibility in our schedules to just enjoy the weather from time to time.  But no matter what your work or financial situation is, I hope you are able to take a moment to take a good deep breath of fresh air.  Notice the flowers blooming.  Listen to the birds singing and children playing.   Maybe get outside and play a little yourself. Don’t let yourself get so busy planning and working for the future that you miss the wonderful, simple, here and now moments that  bring such joy to our lives.