Spending time in nature.

Lets face it. It is pretty stressful right now. I could go into all the different types of stress that is surrounding all of us at this time, but you know what they are. And they are different for everyone. So we need to find a way to naturally de-stress. It is now proven scientifically that spending time in nature, even only 20 minutes, can help lower our stress levels and cortisol

The lucky ones are those who can spend time with nature everyday. I am blessed to be one of them. Full time RV’ing can do that for you.

I am practicing being happy where I am.

When I started traveling full time last year, I thought I would be on the road and moving often, discovering new things. And I was. Every week was a new adventure. The very idea of this new way of life filled my heart and allowed me to let go of a more traditional way of living.

But now I have been stationary in our little trailer since last November.

6 months.

UGH.

And at least one more month to go.

I had only planned to be here through February. Stay here in the winter, ride out the winter cold in the balmy weather of central Florida, work with clients during this time and then back on the road.

Then back on the road. That was the plan.

Into Texas to see the Bluebonnets bloom, then on to New Mexico for a month to discover the “Land of Enchantment“. Or possibly a trip up the Natchez Trace. But a few lingering health problems pushed the deadline into March and then…Corona virus.

The night that all the state and national campgrounds closed early in March, I extended our stay for two months in a private campground.

This is a very pleasant park; safe, enjoyable, convenient to everything I need and close enough to drive to (previously) work with clients in the Tampa Bay area. But not very new and exciting.

Perhaps a sense of calm in this time of stress and uncertainty is exactly what is called for.

In the campground, there are a few quiet areas to just sit and contemplate.

This is one of my favorites. A lovely bench overlooks a wooded area filled with Cypress trees. Hundreds of white Ibis nest in this area every night. Flapping in all at once to get settled for the night is quite a sight to behold.

Bordered on another side by grazing cows in the lush fields dotted with ancient live oaks dripping in Spanish Moss.

Resurrection fern covers almost every oak in the park, green and luscious this time of year.

As we all deal with the stress and consequences of life with the Corona virus I am grateful for this peaceful area to quarantine in. I am, like all of us, trying to adapt to my circumstances.

This quote by Viktor Frankl impressed me today:

(download this book, Man’s Search for Happiness, for free here)

When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.

Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.

Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.

I have been, like many, bumping up against my former plans and what I am allowed to do at this time. I am choosing at this time to visit any local area that I am able to and write about it to give you a sense of adventure right near home, if the Tampa Bay area is where you live.(or where you are quarantined at this time!). Only a short drive from the theme parks in Orlando, but a world away in experience.

Lots of nature, kayaking on the springs of the Crystal River, exploring the historic homes in Floral City, (by car or foot, not going in) and the nature trail that runs through there-Withlacoochee State Trail , open for biking and walking.

I want to begin where I am.

So today I went for my daily walk around the park and photographed the lovely Florida Iris.

For years I had lamented the lack of traditional spring blooms in Florida. But Florida has its own beauty, if you know where to look. Jasmine, with its heavenly smell, gardenia blooms on bushes the size of trees and Florida Iris, just to name a few.

I have always loved the Florida Iris blossoms, partly because they remind me of the traditional iris blooms in the Midwest. Partly because they have a beauty all their own.

I created the image below to honor the beauty of this particular flower. If you would care to browse my other artwork please click here or on the image below.