It was a typical fall day. The leaves on the trees were beautiful and bright colors. Bright orange and dark red; I did not see a single shade of green. The climate was perfect; a mild wind, but a nice, cool temperature on that Sunday afternoon. 

There were many things on my mind that day, so the trip to the pond really helped. I got in the kayak and pushed away from the wooden dock. I was looking for something, anything, to get my mind off of the stress. As I paddled to the center of the pond, I paid close attention to the sounds, the sights, and the smells. I heard the birds chirping; I saw the bright orange, yellow, and red leaves on the tree, hanging on for dear life; I smelled the putrid stench of the dirty, muddy, pond water that I was floating on top of. After a few minutes, I was ready to attack the rest of my day. I paddled back to shore, docked the kayak, walked up the porch steps, and continued my day with a freshened mind. 

When I sat in my kayak, I forgot about the worries that had haunted me just a couple of minutes ago. I was at peace. I connected with the smells, the sounds, and the sights around me.  I looked to Mother Nature for peacefulness and, because of that, I was able to carry on with the rest of my day. 

Don’t underestimate the power of Mother Nature; she will surely surprise you.