Day 9 of the Rewild Your Life 30 Day Challenge
Some of you may know that I signed up to do this challenge. I invited others publicly to join me in the process through Facebook, simply because I understand the value of connecting with nature and all it has to offer.
Well, I certainly had the best intentions and, as many of you have experienced, sometimes those intentions don’t fully become realized. I haven’t been great about doing all the activities, which only asked for 30 minutes a day (totally doable) and my intention is now to do them throughout the summer, if not during the 30 days of June. It’s so great to be able to shift an intention when I find what I “thought” would work isn’t. I’d like to be gentle with myself and do what feels good and not feel guilty about not doing it exactly as suggested. Because any time I connect with nature, it’s a great time to do so.
Day 9’s activity was all about soaking up as much of the amazing energy of the sun. I wanted to go on an amazing bike ride..spend some time outdoors that way and really wanted to go somewhere different today. My riding partner wasn’t interested in venturing away from home and I wasn’t happy about it but did my best to keep it to myself. A ride is a ride is a ride, right? After all, I love where I live and I have amazing things to see here every day.
Off we went. I felt bad that I was irritated and hated that I was bringing that energy into this space, a space I consider sacred…I really really love where I live and all it has to offer. I felt bad that I was hiding my feelings, although my quietness is often a sign something is up so he probably knew but I don’t want to bring that into a relationship either. It’s important to honor my feelings and to not keep them bottled up inside. I just wasn’t up for a conversation around it. I wasn’t sure where it would go and I really felt quite foolish for feeling the way I did. So I was hoping I could shake it off.
It took until about mile 9 before I started to feel the irritation melt away and I was able to fully experience my ride…to feel connected to everything around me. I could feel it all just leaving my body and my spirit began to feel light and I felt one with the earth and the sun and all their glory. It truly was a great day.
I can’t believe what happened after I allowed myself to relax and connect. All around me there are wonders to behold. A few of them are featured here in this post below for you to enjoy (see more here on Facebook).
Yes, truly amazing and I feel blessed to have all of this right around my home. While I don’t want to spend much time reflecting on the negative, I have to wonder how many things I missed due to my frivolous irritation over wanting to bike some place else instead of this glorious space I have access to every.single.day.
Man, do I feel silly.
Just because you “see” something day in and day out, doesn’t mean you really “see” it.
Take a moment today to notice the stunning things around you. What are you missing? Stop missing it now.
I love the way you found beauty (or perhaps the way that beauty found you). That picture of the bird and fish is wonderful.
Thanks! It was a magical day and I had that image blown up and put on a 20×30 canvas…first time I’ve done that and I love it!!
By the way – I went home at lunchtime (in my car) and rode my bike back to work! 🙂 Yeah! Heading to the gym after work to practice some Tai Chi too. Life is better with exercise!! 🙂 (and sunshine… and nature…)
That is awesome! It’s so easy when we make it a priority!
One of these days, SOON, I am going to start biking to work. My work situation this summer does not work for walking to work (while my main building is being renovated) but I can still bike. It’s been pretty rainy though. I can’t wait to get started!
So far, though, I’ve been on my bike more this summer than I have in the last three years or so. I am proud of myself for that. Looking forward to going for a ride with you! 🙂
That sounds like a great plan to ride to work! I, too, have been on my bike more this summer than in the past and it’s pretty exciting. I’m definitely not a marathon rider but proud to say I’ve hit over 90 miles so far and the season is just beginning! I can’t wait to ride with you too!
90 miles is a lot. That is great. I should really track how much I am riding. I did ride to work at lunch today, so I am on track! 🙂 If it is nice tomorrow, I will try again.
I use Map My Ride app to track. It’s pretty cool. I feel good knowing I’ve already done more than I did all last season and I’m looking forward to doing even more!
Thanks, Michele. I will give it a try!
Oh I love the turnaround of this story Michele – it’s very inspiring. So glad you ended up having a wonderful time. And those photos are terrific. I also like that you’re giving yourself permission to do the challenge in your timeframe – that feels like a huge self-honoring win. Yay you!
It does feel really good to be able to shift my mood that way. Thank you for your kind words on the photos. I’m definitely looking forward to doing the challenge my way.
I try to ride everyday…it is freeing and yes…there is so much to see. It definitely does ‘clear the mind’ and pushes you to open your heart! Beautiful photos!
Freeing is such a great way to describe it and it just melts away any “issues” I’m currently having, even if it takes 9 miles to do so 🙂
I like the sun in reasonable doses. I am grateful to live in a city where shade is readily available when the sun gets to be too much.
It is nice to have shade available at times. But the sun sure does make me happy!
Good on you to push through the negativity Michele. So, so hard to do. May have taken 9 k but you DID it! Lovely photos – especially the dock one with the chairs. I could stop and spend an hour or six right there!
Yes, so happy I did it!! And I agree. They might not have appreciated a stranger sitting in their backyard but I would have loved to sit there all day!
It’s amazing how exercise can lift a bad mood. I’m sorry you missed the beauty of the first 9 miles, Michele, but at least you did get to connect. The photos are great!
Yes, it was too bad that I missed that part and I’m so glad things shifted eventually for me. Thanks for your kind words on the photos!
I LOVE these images, Michele….beautiful!
I can so relate to the whole process you describe;
you rode it well:)
-Jennifer
Thank you Jennifer! It was a good ride 🙂