When's the last time you got out to experience the true beauty of WNC?:

I'm asking you to check in with yourself and see how long ago it was that you got out into the mountains of WNC.     

            And then ask yourself how many hours you think you've spent at your desk in this last week alone?

If you’re like most of us, then I can say it’s been way too long, and I would challenge you to give up 1 of those hours at the office to “get out there” and live! Take a hike, take a bike ride, or even just go sit by a waterfall or a running creek. Give yourself this gift and remind yourself of what’s important. See what shifts you notice upon hearing that flowing water, watching a young bird’s first flight, or seeing the sunset over the mountains.

                                                                    I bring this up not only to help us all live a little more balanced, but because it’s an essential that we often take for granted…and we just can’t do this.  Without nature we would not exist.

                                          Not only does it have more of an emotional impact on us than we think, but it is what enables us to live – the oxygen created by the trees, the water that we drink and which feeds the plants we eat, the diversity of living beings (as well as the inspiration, beauty, and creativity it provides).

We need to protect and preserve the land that allows us to live our lives -- so go out there and enjoy it, embrace it. Remind yourself of these simple things, and hopefully a new steward will be born in us all.

-Rhodes Waite (Kraft Professional Realty)  Asheville, North Carolina