My husband asked me what I would like to do this weekend. The weather this summer has been crazy. We were unable to do many of the things we had planned for the summer because of rain or excessive heat. This upcoming weekend shows a chance of showers and highs in the 80s. I am determined to get out in nature and decompress. My soul is weary and needs a recharging of sorts. I crave being near bodies of water. We went canoeing on the Kickapoo River a few weeks ago. It was fantastic. We took our puppy Rainy and she absolutely loved it! She is a natural adventurer. I am glad she travels nicely too. My other dog Roscoe needs to be sedated just to ride in a car so we leave him at home.
Last fall Bryon and I went horseback riding through Governor Dodge State Park. It was a beautiful ride. We got to see the leaves at their peak. The cool crisp air filled our lungs. The horses seemed to enjoy it as well. They were perky and light on their feet on the trail. I sure miss having horses. I was asked to stop riding after getting my defibrillator 21 years ago. It saddened me to think I would never ride again. Our fall ride meant a lot to me as I once again am able to do things I enjoy. A gentle reminder to never give up on yourself.
I know this weekend I want to organize things for an upcoming trip. In about a month I will be heading to meet some other authors at a retreat in rural Kentucky! I am traveling alone, unless it’s ok to bring my dog, and I will be camping in a tent. I haven’t done this for years. I always preferred our motorhome and all of its comforts. This will be an adventure for me alone. I am amazed that I am able to even think of doing this. For many years after my fiasco of a marriage to Charles, I was traumatized and terrified of being in a car. My anxiety kept me paralyzed with fear. If the weather was bad I stayed home. I felt like I would die. I would have panic attacks in construction zones or bad neighborhoods. Car trips were only taken with prescription meds on board. Many fights occurred between Bryon and I when I would freak out because I felt so out of control. I am grateful to God for bringing me through this struggle. He restored my freedom. I am no longer a prisoner to fear. Today I rely on that freedom to be able to do my job in helping others. I am also able to travel and meet new people. Life without fear enables me to try new things. To step out of my comfort zone. By challenging myself to try new things I learn and grow!
Today I walk with the faith of knowing God is with me always. I have a lot of exciting things that I will be announcing soon! My life today is so much better than I ever imagined. For once in my life I am able to say I am proud of myself. I have become the friend to myself that I always needed. By learning to love and nurture myself I am able to become a better person for others.
I accept that I don’t have to be perfect to be loved. There may be some challenges along the way, but I will persevere. It’s who I am; it’s what I do.
How will you be spending your last couple of weeks this summer? How do you decompress from stress? What brings you joy? Drop me a comment. I would love to hear from you.
Namaste.
The Last Few Weeks of Summer
