Nature is our happy place – but it doesn’t mean it’s always light and easy.

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the hustle and bustle of city life? Do you crave some peace and quiet, away from the noise and pollution? If so, you’re not alone! In fact, many people have discovered that nature is the ultimate happy place, offering a sense of calm and rejuvenation that simply can’t be found anywhere else.

From rolling hills and lush forests, to serene lakes and pristine beaches, nature offers a wealth of breathtaking landscapes that are sure to soothe the soul. And let’s not forget about all the cute and cuddly creatures that call the great outdoors home! Whether it’s squirrels scampering up trees, or bunnies hopping through the grass, animals have a way of bringing a smile to our faces, no matter how tough the day has been.

But nature isn’t just a pretty picture; it’s also a source of physical and mental health benefits. Studies have shown that spending time in nature can help to reduce stress and anxiety, boost our mood, and even improve our immune system! Whether you’re taking a leisurely stroll, going for a bike ride, or simply sitting and taking in the view, there’s no denying that being surrounded by nature is a surefire way to feel good.

So next time you’re feeling down, or just need a break from the chaos of daily life, head to your nearest park, beach, or nature reserve. Breathe in the fresh air, feel the sun on your face, and soak up the beauty of the natural world. Trust us, you won’t regret it!

In conclusion, nature truly is our happy place, and we should all make an effort to spend more time in it. So get outside, enjoy the sunshine, and remember, nature is always just a step away!

This is the Al-generated response to the title, and it’s scary how often I’ve seen this style on big, popular posts. It could never really touch me. Now I understand why: it’s artificial, soulless, meaningless. I won’t claim of course that my style is any better. It’s different, that’s all.

---

Put one foot in front of the other. What goes up, must come down. You can’t see the forest for the trees. All are sayings l experienced during my hikes.

How do you think I feel about this exercise?

I feel that hiking is hard. My feet carry the weight of two thin people, so every step is double effort. I’m also terrified of falling, hurting myself, being in pain, needing the help of others, putting the weight of those 2 thin people on them now… (Oh it’s so much fun inside my head…)

But then how is it my happy place?

Because inevitably I get to a point where I forget about all this, where everything smells like life, where I’m free, floating, and as I look around I’ve happy tears because it’s pure bliss.

It’s not about me, my fears, my crazy thoughts, all that is absorbed by the beauty of things growing, blooming, existing. I’m not a separate entity. I’m part of the world as it is, without judgement, pressure of performance. It’s not about who I am. I didn’t “earn” this moment: it just found me.

And with Mia there, I can share this moment, this experience with her fully. Because she also never judges me. She doesn’t care what I wear, that my hair is thinning at a scary rate, that my singing is terrible. (Actually scratch that, she does mind that last bit, and is telling me off politely all the time.)

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mia the dog (@miadogadventures)

She’s the only companion that doesn’t take me out of this experience but places herself there with me. She, too, forgets her troubles, fears, anxiety outside. She feels more at ease at a meadow than in our living room. She rolls in the grass but never on the carpet. She does zoomies in the forest but never in the apartment.

She and her, we’re one at this too. Nature doesn’t hurt us, doesn’t ridicule or punch. It can cut a little, it can be harsh but it’s never unjust. It gives, doesn’t take away. And at the top of the hardest hill there’s always a gift: the view that takes our breath away.

---

This post is part of the A to Z blogging challenge of April 2023.
Topic of this year is “The AI, the dog and the witchling”, real and fictional stories partially written/inspired by Artificial Intelligence, featuring Mia and Missy.
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok.