Seeking Inner Peace

How was your weekend? Did you have time to unwind and relax or was it full of projects and chores?

For me, the weekend is a time to rest and spending quality time with family and friends. It’s also the only time that I have, when I prepare and get everything straightened out for a busy week ahead. Sort and put away the laundry from Saturday’s chores and set up the kit bags for the kids sports and clubs for the week. I organize my work schedule and update the family calendar on the fridge, including the dinner menu.

The weekend is meant as a break from work, but when you have kids there’s usually something going on whether it's sports, a birthday party or Scouts. My family are all involved in Scouting, and often go for short camping trips or hikes within a couple of hours drive of our home. It doesn’t feel like a chore when you are hiking a forest trail. We always discover something new, whether it’s a beetle or .a tree that is perfect for climbing.

My boys still stop and marvel at our world and point out bugs, frogs and trees. I’ve taught them to be inquisitive and curious about what they find and to respect our environment.

This weekend, my youngest found a weaver spider, which is harmless. He sat on the ground and followed it as it wove a web between a bush and a log. There was a sac hanging precariously on the tiny silk strands, which was full of little eggs. My son was spellbound by the spider and it made me think that the simple moments are the ones that we treasure the most. I can still see his little face filled with joy.

What was your simple moment this weekend? What do you remember about the it? How did it make you feel?

If I have a tough day at work, small moments like yesterday’s spider, are what carry me through. I bring out the memory and allow the warm glow of happiness flow through me. It puts me in a good mood.

It’s in the small moments that I find the most comfort. They are my glimmers of hope to treasure on a busy week day.

My children are fascinated by the little things in life and I think that they are teaching me about being more in tune with the world. About being more open to things and find peace in the every day. Feeling joy about our surroundings is important. It's good for us to pause and focus on something other than our office computers. To unplug from the internet and go outdoors.

Next time you are out on the forest trail, the beach or even in the mall - focus on something other than your cell phone.

I find it interesting to watch people now and then to see how they interact. There is a different vibe about people who go outdoors regularly. They appear to be relaxed and carefree as they hike the trails with a dog or two in tow. Parents shadow young kids who pick up anything that tickles them whether it's a pine cone or a funny looking leaf with beaming eyes. Everything is exciting.

Have a you seen a dog who is let out of the car onto a forest trail? Dogs are ecstatic about being outside and going for walks. Their tails wagging like a propeller engine and they bounce and roll. You can see that they love being outdoors.

I wonder what adults would be like, if we had the same wonder and inquisitive natures as young kids. Would our world be a better place?

Most definitely.

My name is Lizzy. I’m a trauma survivor, a wife, a mom, a teacher, and an author.

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