There's a lot going on in the world right now, and as an empathetic person, it's easy to take it all in, and allow myself to get down and sad and angry because of it. There are so many moments lately where I feel so helpless, so frustrated, so unable to help or make anything better. I know I'm not alone in this either. I see my friends posting about their struggles, I see my mom hurting from it all, I see my family struggling to stay happy. This is why it's so important to find a release. Something, anything, that gives you peace, even a for a moment.  For me that's the water. It always has been. I am so blessed to live 15-20 minutes from the lake, and to have found a park where I can swim in clear, beautiful water. I have to go in the morning so that I can avoid people, but it's so worth it.

This morning I almost didn't go. It was overcast and 58 degrees since it rained last night. I could have easily decided not to, but I made the choice to go anyways, and I am so glad I did. No one was on the lake or at the park. The water was like glass and emanating a beautiful peace. I spent almost an hour in the water. Stretching, doing yoga poses, floating, and swimming. Reveling in the feeling of my body gliding through the water, barely leaving a ripple as I swam. Nothing on my mind except the feeling of the water surrounding me, and the strength of my body to be able to pull me through the water so effortlessly. At some point the sun came through the clouds, and I could see little ripples of sunlight on the sand below...floating along like little fairies.  It was perfection.  I could also feel my dad with me, and my Gram. Keeping me company, encouraging me, adding to my strength. I felt all of my worries, all my stress, all of my grief and fear drain away as I cut through the water, leaving only a feeling of peace and thankfulness. 

I'm not even sure why I felt like I needed to share this with you all today, but something told me I should. So here I am, sitting at my computer, still feeling that amazing peace from my swim, sharing my feelings with you. I guess I hope that you can gain a little peace from it as well, and I also want to encourage everyone else to find something that can pull you away from the stresses of the world, and bring you some peace. It may be the water like me, or it may be going for a walk, or a run. It may be coloring, or scrapbooking, or reading. Whatever it is, however busy you are, make time for it. I'm going to say that again. MAKE TIME FOR WHATEVER BRINGS YOU PEACE. It's always important, but even more so right now. You cannot take care of others, you cannot make a difference in this world, you cannot function the way you should unless you take care of yourself first.  It's taken me a long time to realize this myself. I always put myself last, but I've been slowly learning to put myself first instead, and I encourage everyone else to do the same.

Much light and love to you all.