This past Saturday, I got a call from my mother-in-law saying how there was something broke in her hair salon and it needed fixing...and could I spare Sunday morning and check it out?
My first thoughts were.."It's Sunday, I've been going non-stop, Steph is finally not in front of a screen working, we have church, the kids have soccer, blah blah blah".
I got worked up, anxious, and my mood changed. I went into the bathroom to get ready and started reading the newest Costco Connection....I came across an article about the importance of Vitamin N.
What is Vitamin N you ask? It's nature.
The healing properties of being in nature are vast. From improving your mental health and stress levels, to insomnia, and lessening side effects of certain diseases...
The study says that adolescents who spend too much time in front of screens and not enough outside are 55% more likely to develop depression and anxiety. Which explains why my kids have alter ego's after spending time with their friend Mr. X-Box.
"Oh great, I'll go climb a mountain right now..Let me get right on that", I said to myself.
BUT....being in nature doesn't have to be being IN nature. It means bringing nature to you. It means something as simple as working in front of a window, or even opening that window. It means taking a break and going for a walk, or watching birds or....Simply not being inside.
And yes, we are privileged to have the Metroparks everywhere, with lots of hiking trails and waterfalls and bike paths. Use them.
But if you can't, and you're busy, and your Sundays are accounted for, just get outside.
And so I packed up my tool bag, and I got in my car early Sunday morning, and I rolled the windows all the way down, and I blasted some Jesus music (Which is readily available on the Audacy app when you're not listening to Star 102). I drove fast, I took the scenic route, and....My mood changed.
The breeze was calming, the music made me feel like I was at worship, the scenery was mentally distracting, and my mind wandered into a state of gratitude instead of attitude.
Vitamin N. Make sure you are getting the right dose every single day.
All my best as you figure out life and the relationships in it
XOXO Glenn


