Looking forward to the summer

The slow transition to normalcy is exciting yet still tinged with hesitation. Like dipping one’s toes in the pool waters before committing to actually swimming. I wasn’t always a fan of going outdoors when I don’t need to. Any type of nature-related activity I’ve engaged in, whether a hike or camping, weren’t motivated by personal leisure. It was more likely because I needed to do it as part of an obligation or work. Four decades of existence plus the pandemic made me realize how much nature was taken for granted in my reality. I now appreciate walking along a grassy park on a breezy late afternoon amid lots of trees and bird sounds. And how walking on the grass feels cushion-y on the feet as opposed to walking on a gravel path for as long as the grass isn’t super damp from rain (not fun on the shoes). I also find this practice very relaxing and calming especially on mega busy days. Therapy in between formal therapy. I’ve mentioned a personal mental bucket list and it’s now lengthening with the inclusion of actual camping in the mountains and that bubble hotel resort in Iceland where the accommodations are see-through so that you can sleep and have a full view of the northern lights on a clear evening…