Spring break was approaching and I was eagerly looking forward as always to having my ten year old niece visit us for a few days. As always, we endeavor to find something fun and preferably new to do together that hopefully will not break the bank.
I'm fortunate to have a few creative souls in my life that I lean on for novel ideas and input, one of them being my daughter, Jen. She emailed me with " I know this isn't up your alley, but how about a day of fishing at Rose Valley?" Not up my alley indeed! I'll show her... I even text-ed her back to show how grown up I've become and said "You are ON."
Fishing day arrived. We packed sunscreen, lunch, several layers of clothing, poles and tackle. Stopped at the Corner Market to buy live bait and the three of us headed for the "hills".
Upon our arrival, a man approached us and offered us two of his trout as he'd limited out. Now this could be construed as a bad sign (maybe he didn't trust our abilities as the seasoned anglers we were) or we had an ace in the hole in case we arrived too late in the day for the fish to be hungry. I wisely decided not to over analyze the gesture and not being one to look a gift fish in the mouth, we gratefully accepted and proceeded to set up our poles.
Teaching a left handed ten year old to cast is an experience in patience for all involved. We finally got it to click and she threw the line straight out about fifty feet. The look on her face was that of someone experiencing gleeful epiphany and pure unadulterated joy. Think hair blowing in the wind, big brown eyes opened wide in surprise and a smile that reached from the beach to the state line. This is what it's all about for me. Stress melts away, troubles are gone for the moment. These are the good times we must etch in our poor overloaded hard drives. Spending some quality time with people we love and love to be with!
I have to tell you all, even if you hate fish or fishing, try this for even an hour or so. Go somewhere outdoors away from crowds, traffic and cell service (or turn off your phone- and don't cheat!). Take a book, music, camera or nothing at all if you like and just CHILL. This was a mental overhaul and Spring Cleaning of biblical proportions! I came out of there feeling a lot lighter.
When was the last time you took some time for yourself? Excuses abound...
I'm too busy.
(Make an actual appointment with yourself- yes you can do it!
What if I miss a good lead with my phone turned off?
(Partner up with someone at your office and exchange the favor- trust me, it's a great system)
I can't afford it.
(I think public parks are still free...)
When I have time off, I need to catch up on laundry, yard work, etc.
(Trust me it will all still be there when you return and you don't have to take an extended sabbatical to reap the benefits)
With all of the negativity we're bombarded with on a daily and hourly basis from the time our feet hit the ground to when our heads hit the pillow, we have strive to be good stewards of our own well being and achieve some balance in our lives. You'll thank yourself and so will those around you. Let me know how it works for you...
And yes, I put the worms on by myself.
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