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Rest, refit, revitalize: Losing stress a needed part of happy living

Take a deep breath, lean back. Floating face-up in Lake Superior, I stare up at the bright sky.

Sunshine peaks through the clouds, and a bird soars effortlessly across my view.

I close my eyes and take in the rhythmic ebb and flow of the crystal clear water surrounding me.

Another deep breath, in and out.

I smell the fresh air, the warm lake breeze gliding swiftly across my exposed face.

I feel the soft current against my skin, it’s tranquil power lifting me to the surface.

I’m weightless. Disconnected from my everyday life and connected to the earth, all at once.

One more deep breath.

I slide completely under the water, slowly sinking before touching my toes to the sandy bottom.

I stand, feeling refreshed and revitalized.

Water has always been a calming source in my life.

It’s my personal place of solace – where, for a moment, I can forget about the stresses of world around me.

While the process described above lasts a mere minute or two, it’s all I need to sooth my soul and remind me that this life is much bigger than me.

Oftentimes, we get so caught up in our busy schedules that we forget to stop and enjoy the life we’ve been given. To appreciate who we are, where we are and what it took to get us to that point.

We put in eight hours a day or more at the office, and follow it with errands, chores around the house and other commitments.

We get some sleep, if we’re lucky enough, and repeat the process day after day.

Today, we celebrate the contributions and achievements of hard-working men and women in America.

While doing so, I urge you carve out some time for yourself, for your well-being.

Go for a hike. Take a yoga class. Lose yourself in a good book. Treat yourself to a massage. Cook your favorite meal from scratch. Watch the sun set from a hammock hanging high in the trees.

Do something that you love. Do something that makes you happy. Whatever it is that calms you down, invigorates you or makes life a little bit better, make the time.

You deserve it.

I can be found floating in Lake Superior, taking in her warmth one last time as we officially close out the summer. No work, no stress, no commitments. Just me and my thoughts.

Where are you?

Editor’s note: Kelsie Thompson can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 206. Her email address is kthompson@miningjournal.net.

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