A day off, whether it’s on a weekend, during a work vacation, or just any day on the calendar, is often rare. If a day like this does come along, most people make the plans for it, which may include tasks or something that they might think needs to be completed as soon as possible. For example, you might think that you need to go food shopping, even if you do not need anything in particular at the moment. You might make a list because on your day off, you believe that you should be taking on different chores, so that they are done before returning to your extra busy life.

Personally, I feel wrong if I decide to overlook any task on my free time. I assume that, even though it may not need to be accomplished right away, I should just focus on that particular chore. Recently, on a day off during the month of April, I decided to take a stroll around my neighborhood, mostly throughout a very large park. I was very surprised at myself because after dropping my young son off at school, I returned home and started to clean, something that could wait. When I put the vacuum away and soon left the house, I took a walk over to the park. I may have partially regretted leaving the house so soon, but as I was walking, the areas in life that we overlook began to stand out. I noticed an older man sitting on the bench reading a newspaper with a grin. He looked both very comfortable and intrigued.

As I continued my walk throughout this large park, surrounded by others also walking, jogging, and riding bikes, I caught the kindness shared by two men walking their dogs. The cute, fluffy dogs were happy to see each other, which made their owners stop their walks with smiles and share a friendly conversation with each other about their pets. As I continued walking, I heard another individual share with the person he was with at this time, “Fingers crossed that good things continue to happen,” while he had a big smile on his face. I, of course, had no idea what their conversation may have been about, but it was pleasant to hear such uplifting words. Young children, in the presence of their adults, were enjoying their time in the play area. The bright smiles on children can always bring light to the lives of those that are surrounded by them.

Although I live close by this park and may be around it every so often, I had to capture pictures of the beauty of skies, trees, and water, especially because it is already Spring. When I returned home, I did continue the tasks that I was planning to complete quickly, but I did not rush through them. I felt relaxed, something that I do not feel so much, and kept replaying in my mind the beauty that I had the privilege of viewing on this day. It is not easy, but sometimes, even if it is for a very short time, we have to take a moment and try our best to locate the happiness that exists all around us. We experience many issues in this lifetime, some mild, others severe, but don’t forget to take that stroll and place your attention on all the positive pieces of life around you!