We've been very busy lately, working so hard on our family business. Anyone who works in any kind of retail knows that this time of year is crazy! While the high volume of sales in our Etsy shop are a wonderful blessing that we're so thankful for, those sales also make for a lot of work and stress. I have been feeling a bit frazzled lately and cooped up in the house. So this afternoon I decided to ignore the pile of packages that had to be shipped out, and instead of working take the kids out for a nature walk.
I'm so glad I did that! It was probably one of the last pleasant days we'll have for a while (although amazingly, the surface of the pond was frozen over), and we all enjoyed the walk so much. I really needed a breath of fresh air to clear my head. And even at the dreary end of November, nature still provided us with beauty to appreciate, although perhaps more subtle than at other times of year.
Sometimes simply getting a breath of fresh air and feeling the sun on your face makes all the difference. I encourage everyone reading this, if you are feeling a little bit stressed out--by the holidays or by anything--go out for a walk, enjoy the beauty of nature, and take some nice deep breaths. :)
Wonderful advice... It's really tough to keep balanced right now. My house is a disaster lately. The packages must get shipped. The family must be loved/paid attention to. But the rest has to wait... as much as it pains me to have such disarray :) Lovely photos too!
(PS - I've had a few more people ask again lately about play dishes, and I've sent them your way!)
Posted by: Amanda | November 30, 2010 at 12:48 AM
Good and timely advice! I am so glad you took a day to "regroup". Those children will grow up all too fast and you can not get back any lost time. These are the moments that will remain with them for the rest of their lives.
Posted by: Sonja | November 30, 2010 at 06:05 AM
What a beautiful walk, love those red berries! I scoured and scoured for some on the weekend to use for decorating outside!
Well said, it's quite easy to forget what a little exercise and a good dose of fresh air can do for the body and mind. Thanks for the pleasant reminder!
Be well ~Andrea~
Posted by: ~Andrea~ | November 30, 2010 at 06:29 AM
Thanks for the referrals Amanda! :)
Posted by: Laura Jeanne | November 30, 2010 at 08:28 AM
They certainly do grow up too fast...this is one of the main reasons I homeschool--so we can all spend more time together when the children are young. My oldest is almost 12 already and I can't believe it!
Posted by: Laura Jeanne | November 30, 2010 at 08:29 AM
A little exercise makes such a difference, but I usually forget about this and just wander around the house being frazzled and saying "Why do I feel so tired and grumpy?" I'm going to try to get out more often now--at least, until it gets REALLY cold and I wimp out!
Posted by: Laura Jeanne | November 30, 2010 at 08:31 AM
I know those where the very best words of advice my mother ever gave me - when in doubt head out to some nature - everything else will fall into place! Thanks for the reminder - we'll be taking that mental health break in the woods soon as well!
Posted by: anita | November 30, 2010 at 09:04 AM
Beautiful photos. Thanks for sharing and for the reminder.~ lisa
Posted by: lisa | December 1, 2010 at 09:20 PM