Rising Park 🍃Finding Calm on the Trails

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The Prompt that made me Pause

Prompt 16 gave me pause. What’s one small improvement I can make in my life? I sat with it for longer than expected, not because I didn’t have answers, but because I had too many. They all seemed to circle back to the same thing: time. Or more specifically, how little of it I give to the things that actually fill me up.

I stretch myself thin between shifts at the nursing home. I write almost daily and try to grow Poeaxtry’s reach. I also manage projects and collabs that matter to me. I love it all. I want to be the person who shows up for everyone. I’ve realized lately that I don’t always show up for myself. So, I made a promise. I will take more time for the parts of life that make me feel present. They should not make me feel just productive. I am not a machine. I do not have to be productive every moment I am awake, and I need to remind myself of that.

Now we are at Rising Park in Lancaster, Ohio

That’s how Luna and I ended up back at Rising Park today, just 40 minutes from home. It’s one of our go-to spots. Though the steep trail can be done in under a 30-minute lunch break, it never feels rushed. The incline kicks up fast. Before we know it, we’re at the overlook. Lancaster, Ohio spills out below us in a quiet sprawl of rooftops, trees, and tiny cars. Every season here has its own version of clarity. Today did not disappoint. It was a perfect 67 degrees. The breeze added a pleasant touch. The green had its full May glow, and the smell of rain clung to the air.

This park has always felt like a reset button. Something about the climb clears my mind. By the time we reach the top, both Luna and I have shaken off the heaviness. We didn’t even realize we were carrying it. She runs a little harder here, ears flying back, like she knows this place was built for exhaling. While I breathe deeper here too. It’s not because I’m out of shape. I just lost 60 lbs. It’s because the view forces you to slow down and take it in.

Reminders from Today

Today reminded me that recharging isn’t selfish. Giving myself a few hours to move and reflect is healing. Being somewhere beautiful with my dog is one of the most grounding things I can do. Small improvement? Maybe. But the kind that shifts everything else a little closer to balance. It’s insane what a small amount of time with the trees can do for my whole vibe.

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links Fairfield County hike another one

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