A Walk Cures What Ails You

I was CRANKY today! I woke up cranky and then went to make coffee, only to realize I put vinegar water in the pot to soak and clean it last night BUT never followed the process through. Before I could make coffee, I had to clean the pot. By the time the coffee maker was ready to make coffee, it was time for me to go. I decided to use a gift card on my DD Perks and stop on my way to the soccer field BUT the line was wrapped around and I didn't want to be late, so still no coffee. I arrived at the community field and there was minimal parking (I forgot how busy it was on a Saturday morning). Since I had 4-wheel drive, I backed it into the lawn by the entrance and parked. Rather than let the cranky win, I buried it and put on a smile and celebrated the little things that are so big to me, my kids.

​I'm lucky in the sense that I have one amazing daughter and a multitude of students I care for. Today was an opportunity to encourage them as they played soccer. Six of our students are on the same team and I saw a couple others on different fields. It was such a joy to watch them play and see their excitement when they look up and realize their teachers are there. The teacher I work with is cooler than me though, she brought donut holes for the team, she rocks. We, like many teachers in our building value investing in our students in and out of the classroom so they understand and see how important they are to us.

On the sidelines I visited with friends and laughed, only checking my phone a couple times when my daughter messaged, I miscalculated my time and she was making sure I was okay. (A good kid, right?) After the game, high fives, and hugs, I ventured home. All I wanted to do was chillax but the lists never seem to end and the cranky feeling still tried to swallow me. Rather than be ugly to anyone, I confined myself to my bedroom. It was for the better good. 

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I contemplated walking but used the weather as an excuse and then I decided the only way to get rid of cranky was to exercise. I WAS RIGHT! In less than a mile I realized the root of my cranky, it was seeing my Mom's headstone. I just missed her so much and it was eating at me and I couldn't even think about sitting and opening my Bible, this only made me crankier. What is a girl missing her mom supposed to do? Walk 3 1/2 miles in the fresh air, wind, and wild life...and it felt good.

Fast forward to the next half mile into the walk and I startled three blue herrings from the water, majestic as they flew away. I walked another half mile to see one of my mom's favorite birds, the Baltimore Oriole. Then another quarter to half mile, a beautiful Indigo Bunting. Then the sound of Lake Ontario playing rock and roll joined this serene walk.

Long story short, rather than sitting in the house and feeling sorry for myself or crying into my pillow...I got moving. Moving Forward, I think it's time to write and finish the next book. Hmm...amazing how a little fresh air, exercise, and prayer can clear the mind.

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What helps you clear your head
and figure out the cause of cranky?