Enjoying the Day

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There's a great, albeit rather obscure, Jerry Reed song called "Take It Easy (In Your Mind)," about slowing down from the "rat race" to "enjoy the good life, it's yours, you know." It's something I have a very hard time doing. One of the things I told my doctor yesterday is that I simply cannot handle stress anymore. On my way to Nashville today I took Jerry Reed's advice. I stopped at Mammoth Cave National Park and enjoyed the day. It was overcast and comfortable when I arrived. I walked a nature trail/accessible "hiking" area to a place called Sunset Point, which I'll bet is gorgeous at evening. It's stunning on a cloudy morning! I took my sweet time. The conference proper doesn't start until noon tomorrow, so what did I have to rush for? And oh, how good I feel. Along the way I saw wild turkey (the animal, not the liquor -- this is Kentucky so I have to clarify that! ), deer, and a woodpecker!! The air was fresh and a breeze blew just enough to make it comfortable -- not too cool or not not warm (despite the morning humidity). Ironically, I saw a poster in the welcome center at the park. It said to take a walk in the woods for your health -- among other things, it will relieve stress and depression!! I love my conference, and I look forward to it ever year. But I just might have to repeat that stroll through Mammoth Cave on the way home!