Finding my own happiness

Something has been off or missing. I can't put my finger on it. Perhaps, it’s the lack of job prospects or financial insecurities. Whatever it is, I'm feeling it. My body feels it and it has to be acknowledged. When I have these feelings I tend to turn to nature. Not because I think a walk or breathing fresh air in will solve the problem. I think its more spiritual than that. Nature does something to my soul and when I allow it, takes my mind off of the issue and starts to focus it around tangible things that can be admired. It helps me reconnect and feel a sense of calm until I am able to gather myself.

I received an email about our local community garden harvest happening today so I decided to take full advantage of the chance to grab some collard greens and cabbage that didn’t involve a trip to the grocery store. Putting my hands on nature makes me happy so jumped at the opportunity.

The sun is bright and the sky is blue with light clouds hovering. Its gorgeous for a brisk morning of 54F. I haven't harvested collard greens before so I'm eager with questions about the process. I've always gone to the store and picked up a bunch, complained about the price or thought that today's buy was a good deal and carried them to the register. Today is different. I grab some scissors and cut away at the leaves. I'm forgetting my troubles and embracing the moment. I'd been coming out to the garden since Spring with the goal to help grow and harvest the work of my hands. The thought of holding something that wasn't store-bought or picked over by others makes me want to get it home so I can cook it up as quickly as possible. I've never been this happy coming from the grocery store!

When I got home, I admired my small stash. I walked away with a small cabbage perfect for Janelle and I and some greens that will be cleaned and cooked tonight. Nothing got resolved in the garden today, but my shoulders are not as tight and I breathe just a little deeper from my time there. 

Have you ever had moments of just wanting to get away? I'm sure you have. What do you do in those moments: make impulsive buys, go within and leave the outside world to fend for itself? I'd like to know and maybe your response can help someone else in the same situation.