Fall foliage and clearing your mind to find peace

Oh fall,

Your natural beauty is far too breath taking.

Yesterday I went on a nice peaceful stroll ( See what I did there? ;)  ) at a local walking path.
I knew that today it would be colder and raining on and off were I am , and although the rain doesn't bother me as I find it very peaceful and inviting I'm not too keen on getting my sons stroller/ carseat unnecessarily wet for his sake.

 I had a lot of chores I needed to do, the mommy list that goes on for miles. But I decided to put those off for the day and get my son and I out of the house for some much needed fresh air.

I know I've said it before and those of you that live or have stayed in a state that gets to experience all 4 seasons you know what I mean! It's just so beautiful! Pictures never honestly do it any justice but as you can see that didn't stop me from taking a few to keep as memories.

I'm so glad that we got out yesterday to experience this and I really think it was much needed for both of us. My son seems to Love nature with all of it's colors and movements. He really enjoys being in new environments and just taking them in. Children really do remind you that it can be the smallest or simplest pleasures in life that we take for granted.

For instance when I go into the grocery store I'm on a mission ( a long mission my husband may argue but nonetheless a mission) Even when I go isle by isle as I usually do, I have a check list and a plan. I have been in the store countless times and unlike him (my son) I don't take the time to really soak it in or look around at all the displays and colors - I'm there but not there. Where he is still having true experiences that for him hold so much more value.

Because he is learning everywhere that we go.

Being a stay at home mom, it can be VERY easy to do just that - stay at home. Life can be crazy and chaotic. It can be hard enough just to find the time to eat or use the bathroom, never mind anything else. Between feeding, changing, napping and pumping schedules there is not much left and they often do not line up very well. So simple walks to the mail box, on a walking path, in a store, etc can be forgotten or dismissed as impossible. I'd Love to make more time for these and know that in time they will become easier. That being said I am trying to make more of an effort towards them when I'm able while also reminding myself not to feel the pressure to push it - if it's not happening that day there is always tomorrow or the next day.

This walk was the the most peaceful part of our day. It was the perfect break my mind was craving and distracted my son from the fussiness he otherwise was battling with that day.

Walking a long the water was both beautiful to view but also sounded so immensely peaceful. I'm not sure what it is with me and water but I found the sound of it so calming and relaxing. It always brings a smile to my face. I took the time to stop and soak in the view and the sound multiple times.

I Loved the above picture- just me and my son and the long road ahead. This moment when the other travelers of the trail were no where to be seen, the path was for just the two of us. Full of falls beautiful colors, the sun shining through the shade of the trees here and there. The satisfying sound of the leaves crunching as I walked with my son. I played peek- a-boo with him ( one of his favorite games) He would smile and giggle and the world was ours.

These are the moments I won't forget.

Before the walk I had debated on reaching out to see if anyone would like to join us. I usually prefer to go on walks with other people as well for comfort but it was not pre-planned per say and I didn't want to "spring" the idea on anyone just to be told no.

I've certainly learned a lot since having my son. As much as I hate to admit it the saying "You find out who your true friends are when you have kids" - though an annoyingly over shared bit of advice it's sadly true. And that's says a lot coming from me because my circle was already SO small. 

Granted in the beginning we had a lot going on with me recovering from all that went on in the hospital, the life as new parents, etc 

So it was understandable that people were respecting our space. It's taken a while to get to a point where things have become more "manageable" which I think time really played a large factor in for all of us baby included. 

But after some time it became clear. I have been feeling down about this lack in my life. As I've previously said in other blog posts being a stay at home mom is amazing. But it is worth recognizing without judgment that it can be very lonely at times. This is something that I feel as though some people say they understand but don't fully understand the gravity of it.

I try not to talk about it much because I feel guilty. Spending the days with my son is more then enough for me, but there are days where you can't help but feel the absence.

I had been feeling especially down watching others make time to get together and go to different events while I was feeling forgotten.

All the plans I've had or done I can count on two hands without using all my fingers and all but two of them I planned and initiated.

And that hurts. I've tried voicing this without making a "thing" out of it but its fallen on deaf ears.

So I needed to get out, enjoy the view, take time to let it soak in and just clear my mind outside with my baby.

It brought my heart so much peace and joy so I will be trying to make more of an effort to do this before winter hits. 

I found it interesting that while walking on the path I had to keep reminding myself to slow down. I wasn't running but I was going at a steady pace like I would if I was walking with someone else, and I found myself losing my breath.
I made it a point to be mindful of this and when I would catch myself doing it I would slow back down and this really helped not only to further calm me, but also so that I could take more time to really observe and take in all that was around me and the moments with my son.


For those of you reading if you have something weighing down on your heart, if you feel alone or are struggling with something that is heavy on your mind that is out of your control I strongly encourage taking some time out of your home to do something that can calm you or help bring you peace. I know this is different for everyone so it may take some trial and error but it is fully worth it!


I think part of what made this walk so helpful was we were in public and there were others we passed on the trail so we weren't "alone" but we weren't with someone. We were able to take our time and take in our surroundings in our own way.

Being a mom it can be hard to hear yourself think most days so being out was calming and peaceful with less commotion. Natures beauty and the new environment kept my son intrigued and calm at the same time, and this helped allow me to be the same way.

It was nice to feel the weight of everything on my mind drift and to just be present in the moment,
I can't wait to continue these walks and see how they change year after year with my son.