Is it "We Can't" or "We THINK We Can't"?

Grow up. Go to a good school. Graduate. Get a good job. Retire and eventually die.

Does this sound familiar? Seems like we get so caught up in the external world and what should be that we tend to forget about ourselves – our happiness, our health, our loved ones, our passions, and just our own lives in general. A lot of us are stuck inside an office or a classroom most of the day and week, and even more of us feel like we can’t take time off from work, school, or whatever it is consuming most of our time.

But is it really that we can’t, or is it mostly that we think we can’t?

If you’re like me, you’re probably sitting there thinking about all the bills you have to pay, your workload, your bosses, whatever it may be, but ask yourself these questions: if you could do anything in this moment, right now, what would you do? Who would you be with? How would you feel? How would things be different?

Probably a majority of us on a Monday would answer with, “Well I sure wouldn’t be working!” Maybe you’d be with family or friends, eating at a new restaurant you’ve always wanted to check out, or maybe you would be hanging out in your pajamas in bed, who knows?

One thing I think a lot of us definitely take for granted or just don’t really pay mind to is our freedom to be outside, in nature. We can’t really use the excuse that we don’t have money or we have to pay for this or for that because best thing about being in nature is that you can do it for free!

Getting away from city-life, your usual surroundings, television, cars, sirens, people, etc. is one of the most reviving, beautiful, freeing sensations I think one can enjoy in life. Not only can you temporarily just get away from your normal routine by reconnecting with the outside world, but you can also reconnect with yourself and your loved ones.

I remember while growing up my parents always worked. My Dad, when he wasn’t traveling, would be gone by the time we woke up for school, and my Mom would be running around doing a million different things, being a mother, a wife, a homemaker, human resources, financial advisor, store operator, you name it. My parents worked so much that at times my Mom would forget to pick us up from school, and my Dad, I felt, was just rarely around.

Although my parents seemed to work all the time, they never hesitated planning outings and trips to spend time with us as much as possible. Not only were they looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of life, but in a way, I think they tried to compensate for the lost time with us as kids and just as a family. They planned day trips to Disneyland to week long trips to Hawaii and Europe, but some of my fondest memories and happiest times in my life were those days at the beach, the weekends out camping, fishing, and hiking, and even just hanging out in our backyard together. We not only had our much-needed family time, but we had the opportunity to experience the beauty, peace, calmness, laughter, joy, and most importantly, the feeling of togetherness that being in nature can give to us.

So for today, why not go outside for a change? Whether you are with your partner, a friend, your kids, your pet, or better yet, just yourself, go explore the natural beauty this world has to offer you. Whether you go for a walk, visit the beach or a park, or just sit outside in your backyard, this is your time, your life.

Erase the “cannots,” the “shoulda, woulda, couldas,” and whatever other self-imposed limitations you’ve created for yourself, and grab hold of your life in this moment. Relax. Let yourself take it all in. Don’t let the worries of tomorrow (or even five minutes from now) bog down your mind or consume you. Simply, feel the warmth of the sun on your skin, listen to the birds and the wind blow through the trees, and let yourself live in THIS VERY MOMENT.

Now how do you feel? I’ll bet at the very least you feel better than you did before you took that first step out your door.

#nature #outdoors #career #work #freedom #vacation #worklifebalance