In the past years my life has been change after another, a constant learning, a constant adjustment. From big things, like moving countries or buying houses, to small adjustments like learning how to open packages in the US. For the most part, I like to think I have dealt with this in the most positive way, in all truth, it is a path I am still learning to navigate.
Constantly, I am looking for my calm, for my center, looking for a way to beat the anxiety that all these changes have left in me.
My biggest ally in dissolving any hint of anxiety of depression has been to be outside. The farther, the better.
I am sure this isn’t the discovery of the year, but the few moments I remember being liberated have been on the road. Being able to bring my little boy and seeing him thrive being outdoors has been eye opening as well. What is it about being out in the nature that makes us so in peace?
Caring for myself it’s not hard to do, but finding what worked for me, took a while. In all hopes, I tried yoga, spinning, even tae-bo. I tried running, music, waking up early, even cognitive therapy. It took me a while to reconcile the idea of doing something about my well being and becoming an avid outdoor enthusiast, but I wanted to share the steps, baby steps that took a part in this new “hobby”.
I got out of the house.
“The yard will do”- Never really had a yard in Costa Rica. So this was an easy goal. I made it my purpose to just get out of those four walls. Agreed, the execution is sometimes hard (breakfast, getting showered, weather) and having a little one doesn’t make it any easier.
Move when it doesn’t feel like it
I tried to go for simple walks, one block at a time did it at the beginning. One block to the right, then one more to the left. It sounds super simple, but if you haven’t ever felt the general anxiety struggle this was really like my first dosis of peace. One block at a time will do. In the words of theUnbreakable Kimmy Schmidt ““I learned a long time ago that a person can stand just about anything for 10 seconds, then you just start on a new 10 seconds. All you’ve got to do is take it 10 seconds at a time.”
Go to a pretty place
Minnesota is beautiful. It is full of great state parks, lakes and parks, full of beautiful , safe, well marked places where you can go for a walk in a different environment. In the city, we are full of trees and lakes, in the country, you can literally get lost in a road. Which takes me to the next point.
My favorite part: finding a new place.
Look for a new spot in a quick internet search and drive to it. I was shocked to see how easy it is to find new places in this state and drive to them.
What I really was able to find was what cleared my head, allowed me to enjoy my time with my little one and from there, making plans and do more exciting things (as taking pictures).
If you are reading into this right now and have sometime felt a little lost, stand 10 more seconds, and then go out for a block or two. Let me know what ended up working for you.
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