Back to School....

I wait all year for my summer vacation to come and guess what... ITS OVER. So where did the summer go? What happend to all the projects I was going to complete? I had big plans for this summer and somehow is has slipped by me.
Some would say (and they shall remain nameless) that I stretch myself too thin. I think I would have to agree at this point. I have had a ton of fun this summer but it seems that I have filled my summer with so many things that I ran out of time to do some things for myself. Such as: read all those books on my list or work out 4 days a week like I had hoped or even go wake boarding. We haven't been out on our boat once this season! Now I don't mean to sound negative because again life is absolutely fabulous. I just want to remind everyone and especially myself that it is important to stop and slow down a little, relax and enjoy the precious moments of life.
I was at Mill Hollow hiking with a group of 4th, 5th, and 6th graders this past week and thinking about all the things I needed to get done in the next weeks before school starts back up and needless to say I was feeling a bit overwhelmed. And then I saw this.....
A picture really doesn't do it justice. We had just hiked up to this ridge and we could see the valley in full bloom below and the mountain ranges in the distance. The sky was blue and the wind was blowing through the pine carrying the sound of ocean waves and the scent of Christmas through the air. At that moment all other cares departed and all I could think was how fortunate I was to be there right then. What blessings we have all around us all we have to do is stop and realize them. I tend to get so busy thinking about the things I NEED to do. I make lists and try to stay organized (although I am a work in progress in this department), planning always planning. I am sometimes too busy planning for the future that I miss the beauty of the here and now. I am going to challenge myself this upcoming week to take the time to find and realize the blessings of each moment. Maybe by doing this I will find peace and calm and truly enjoy the end of my summer!