Recharge.Sometimes we learn the hard lesson that we need to slow down when we fall flat on our faces. Or, in my case, drained of all my energy and simply unable to continue pushing in any capacity.
The past few weeks I have been pushing myself physically, mentally and even quite a bit emotionally. Most of the time I feel as if I can continue to do more like the energizer bunny. I am one of the lucky people that has a fairly sensitive body that lets me know when I’ve had enough or need to take a time out. I woke up today knowing that this was my intentional checkout day.
Arriving in perfect style, this next week is one of the biggest, busiest, craziest weeks out of the entire year for our company. I need to be in tip top shape to give my best effort and to come out on the other side still standing. I had plenty of plans on my to do list for today but I had to practice loving kindness and being gentle with myself. I did as much as I could and I will save the rest for another day. No guilt needed just pure rest and up leveling.
Today, I took another stroll to the trails. Again in perfect style, per usual, the lovely hearts show up right away.
My main subject throughout my time in the woods in this session were chipmunks and squirrels. These little critters used to annoy me to my wits end when they ate every single strawberry off my strawberry plant. But when I see them out in their territory, they are fascinating little creatures. Chipmunks are swift movers that duck, jump, squeal, and then disappear in the hidden holes all over the place! When you stop and watch for just a few moments you see a great movie filled with secret passageways, hidden doors and so many routes they could potentially take. Seeing their getaway paths makes me think of an enchanted forest where lots of magic is happening in those dark areas.
Chipmunks remind me a lot of myself. They love to explore, paying attention to everything in the world around them, they have a sense of adventure that you can easily see as they take off skipping through the woods like little kids, and they chirp and squeal wanting to tell all their friends when they find something interesting. Finally, they are also really small, cute and love acorns. :)
It was so nice to watch them scamper around and then disappear when they felt something threatening was getting to close. They retreat to their safe zones until they feel ready and secure to show themselves back to the world again. I also learned that they make a very distinct clucking sound when an owl or possibly a hawk is nearby. As I walked home completely zapped of energy it sounded as if they were giving me a rhythmic chant to keep me going.
My hike took a really long time due to my feeling of pure exhaustion and focusing a little more on details in photography. I finally made it to the pond and I discovered the beaver had done a great number on another tree that created the perfect chill out spot just for me. I say just for me because it was off the trail and I noticed it just in time when I needed to absolutely slow down. I wasn’t entirely sure I would be able to walk all the way home and was considering who I might need to call.
What a beautiful way to spend an afternoon. The dragonflies flew around me landing on the tall grass coming out of the pond. Every few minutes I’d hear the ducks swimming in excitement as they were looking for their dinner and washing up. Sometimes you find the best treasures by covering less distance simply sitting still and observing.
My question to you today is how do you disconnect from the day to day and recharge your own personal batteries? What is your secret getaway where you can be creative, imaginative, magical and dream up anything you’ve ever wanted?
You are worth the effort to take the time to bring your best self to the table each and everyday.
~AcornTales
Keywords:
adventure,
explore,
female,
female empowerment,
mother nature,
nature,
nature photography,
photography,
wild,
wildlife
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