I was on the Rainmaker Network Forum this morning, and decided to listen to some of the podcasts that were claimed to help us “escape” from the real world and inspire us to take on the challenges we face in our daily lives. Being a lover of nature, and all outdoor activities, I clicked on a couple of the links and let the journey begin.

Although the realities of my world are much less severe than of others who are suffering considerably, nature has an overwhelming power that can change lives dramatically. Just two weeks ago I had the opportunity to go up to Tahoe and snowboard for a couple days. Although the snow was not superb, I was able to relax and enjoy the moments as they came and went. The very uncrowded mountain helped as well. I had no one to look out for and could get in as many runs as possible.

Taking this time to return to nature was a needed vacation from the stressful world we live in. Everyday I am on the go, and I don’t always take the time to enjoy life until it has almost passed by. Currently I am in my final quarter of college. Where has that time gone? Time seems to be rushing faster and faster in the opposite direction. For me, it is not until I step out of my daily routine can I really enjoy the days to their fullest.

Looking around me, I know that I am not the only one experiencing this phenomenon. So take a moment, like I did, to walk against the current of life. Embrace the day, and appreciate your surroundings. Whether it’s through hiking, journaling, yoga, even painting, find an activity that lets go of your left brain and allows you to relax. Who knows, you might even wind up finding inspiration for that project you haven’t started due tomorrow morning.