It’s hard to believe that it was snowing just a few days ago and yesterday was a gorgeous 75 degrees and sunny in southeastern Pennsylvania. It could not have come at a better time. The sunshine was a welcome reprieve to the sadness that filled our homes over the past week as we felt the pain of those directly affected by last week’s tragedy in Florida.
There is no denying that sunshine is good for the soul; it makes us happy. I took advantage of being off yesterday and got myself and my kids outside! We ate breakfast and headed to one of our favorite spots, the Morris Arboretum. We have had a family membership there for the past two years and we have definitely gotten more than our money’s worth! It’s our go-to spot when we are in need of some fresh air. Click on the link The arboretum to learn more.
We arrived shortly after they opened their gates around 10:30 in the morning. Not surprisingly, it was already filled with other families who had the same idea of soaking up this uncommon February warmth and sunshine. With Penn slung to my chest, the girls and I began to explore the arboretum’s beautiful grounds. No matter how frequently we have visited, I always have a unique experience each time I venture to the arboretum.
Last spring, on one of my last days of maternity leave, I came to the arboretum with just Penn. I soaked up the last of my time off from work with him as we wandered without a plan through the vast landscape there. Even though I had been to the arboretum countless times before, I stumbled across an area I had not seen before. It felt magical to come to this grotto that led to a cave that passed through to a trail alongside a bubbling creek. It was fresh, new…rejuvenating. It made me feel hopefully for what would come in the coming weeks as I anxiously looked forward to the inevitable of having to leave Penn when I had to return to work. And it was ok. And I felt ok.
I took the girls there today. We had been to the arboretum so many times since that day last spring but it wasn’t until today that I stumbled across the grotto again. They were both just as captivated by its beauty as I was a year ago. And I felt that same feeling again. It felt like spring. And the dark cave who’s opening allowed the brilliant sunshine to flood in, drew us to that path that raveled, twisting through the woods beside a singing creek made me happy. It made us all happy. It made us forget about all of our worries for a while. It helped us to be present and to enjoy the here and now. That’s how magical nature is. It has the power to transport us to a different place. Getting outside has been my therapy when I’m feeling down and it works every single time! Looking forward to warmer weather but trying to savor each and every day, rain or shine!
And hey, if it’s raining (like it is here today), you could always just dab on a little oil (ie-geranium, lavender, frankincense, bergamot, ylang ylang, peppermint, orange…I could go on and on!) and you will instantly feel happy!!
Click on the link to get your starter kit and start enjoy the benefits of herbal medicine!
Always sunny,
Coco