Public Art Sculptures: Abilene, Texas

I visited Texas in early 2020 near the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic. One portion of my Texas trip was to visit my elderly aunt who resides in Abilene. No matter where I am at, I try to walk at least two times or more a week. My aunt isn’t able to walk very far as she uses a walker to maintain her balance as she walks. Therefore, I would go walking about the neighborhood on my own discovering what sights and interests I could find.

Book 📖 sculpture
Interesting “W” sculpture
Not sure 🤔, but unique
Silver Spiral Sculpture
Odd shapes balanced together
Reaching to the sky
Care to “Ride” a 🦬 Bison
Almost looks like a nut
Bone like Sculpture
Orange Public Yard Sculpture

Visit Duration: 2 months March and April 2020

God Bless. Hope you enjoyed my short tour of public art sculptures throughout the city of Abilene. The sculptures were all within a couple of miles from the corner of Palm Street and South Seventh Street.

Thank you for visiting. Remember I appreciate y’all. Till next time, take care.

Coleman Selfies: Tuesday antics

Another day when Coleman swipes my phone. Opens the camera app. Snaps multiple pictures while saying “Cheese.”

Nana’s boy
…. He loves
taking pictures
of himself.
“Cheese”
He loves ❤️
looking 👀
at his
self.
How’s
this
Nana?

Not made pictures for a two year old. Gotta love ❤️ my grandson. He’s definitely not camera shy.

Coleman Selfies
Collage (c) 2022@DebbieLWaters

God Bless. Enjoy life. Thankful for family. I appreciate y’all. Feel free to like, comment, and follow. Thank you!

Monday Meanderings: Love the Greenway

This is Love the Greenway month for the Anne Springs Close Greenway in Fort Mill, South Carolina. Today, I was fortunate enough to be able to spend time at the Greenway with my grandson, Coleman. It was a beautiful day, the sun was shining, with no rain in sight. It was truly a blessing to get ourselves outdoors to enjoy nature and do a little bit of hiking.

Coleman
— my hiking buddy

Anne Springs Close Greenway has 2,100 acres to enjoy and explore. It is a natural preserve that offers activities such as hiking, horseback riding, biking, picnics, and much more. They have 36 miles of hiking trails that can be used for hiking, biking, and /or horseback riding.

The Greenway also has a 28-acre lake. Lake Haigler has a fishing dock for those who like to fish. If you wish to fish at the lake, you must possess a South Carolina fishing license. The lake has beautiful views to enjoy, Geese swim freely upon the lake and occasionally come out of the water to greet you. You can observe turtles sunning on logs, or you can rent a kayak for an adventure of your own on the lake.

The top ten things to do at the Greenway for an enjoyable day with friends, family, or by yourself are as follows:

  • Eat at the Greenway Canteen – The canteen features a seasonal menu and offers local beer and wine for your dining pleasure. One can dine indoors or outdoors in the covered patio area. The canteen is located at the Lake Haigler entrance. The food is excellent, and I highly recommend it.
  • Live Music and Events (Seasonal) – Every Friday and Saturday evenings from 6-9 pm feature Sunset Sessions with live music on the Greenway lawn. Bring a lawn chair or bring a blanket and sit on the grass and relax and enjoy listening to a variety of live music. The Greenway holds special events like the Blue Star Blitz and Earth Day Celebrations. A fun time can be had by one and all.
  • Yoga – Yoga is offered two to three days a week. The workouts are taken place at the Amphitheater. Sessions are $12 for non-members, and 50% off for members.
  • Hiking – 36 miles of hiking trails ensure you will not get bored hiking at the Greenway. The trails range from beginner to intermediate and there are various points of interest to see as you hike. There are a few swinging bridges along the trails. The most popular Swinging Bridge is located at the Lake Haigler Entrance. The Loop around the lake is the most popular trail for hikers and is easily maneuvered by the young and old alike. My two-year-old grandson manages it quite nicely.
  • Mountain Biking – There are mountain bike trails for every level of bikers. You can bike on your own, take a beginner clinic, or have a private lesson. Just grab your bike, come on down and get to riding the trails. All the mountain bike trails begin at the Adventure Road Entrance. To ride your bike on the trails you must be a member of the Greenway or pay a minimal fee at the trailhead kiosk.
  • Mary Warner Mack Dog Park – This park in the Greenway features 12 acres of enclosed natural space for dogs of all sizes to play and socialize. It is located at the Adventure Road Entrance and is open seven days a week. At this time, it is open to Greenway members only. Amenities include a Dog-washing station, Hydration stations, and a mile-long off the leash trail.
  • Kayaking & Paddle Boarding – Located at the Lake Haigler Entrance. Kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals are available on weekends beginning in June. The cost is $15 dollars (Prices subject to change) for non-members and 50% off for members. If you own your own kayak or paddleboard, you are more than welcome to bring it on down and spend some quality time on the lake. Please only non-motorized are allowed.
  • Fishing – Offered exclusively for Greenway members.
  • Horseback Riding – The Greenway offers equestrian summer camps, group riding lessons, guided trail rides, and lead line rides. We took my two-year-old grandson on a lead line ride just before he turned two. He thoroughly enjoyed it and would love to do it again.
  • History – Nations Ford Road, and The Graham Cabin both hold significant historical ties to the area. When you come to visit you can learn more about their history.

Our afternoon hiking in the Greenway took place at the Lake Haigler Entrance. We started our hike by the canteen and proceeded walking down to Lake Haigler. It was a beautiful sun shiny day. We walked part way around the lake, past the kayaks, and over to the spillway, traversing the Billy Walk and Wagon Loop trails. We took a short jaunt on Muscadine Trail and back to Wagon Loop and Billy Walk. Then we hiked over to the Swinging Bridge where my grandson ran back and forth across the bridge. The swinging didn’t faze him at all this trip. The first time he walked on it he was scared, but that was a year ago.

God Bless. Get outdoors. Stop by the Anne Springs Close Greenway if you get to the Fort Mill, South Carolina area. If you, do you won’t be sorry. You’ll have a fantastic time. Thank You for visiting. I appreciate y’all.

Miracle Park: Afternoon Funtime

Miracle Park is a fairly new city park located in Rock Hill, South Carolina. The park is designed for all people is ALL ages and abilities to be able to play together, a place where everyone can feel like they belong.

Coleman checking
out the
playground equipment

Miracle Park is being developed in three phases. The first phase was completed, and the park opened to the public in September 2021. It is located between Cherry Road and Eden Terrace. The park has an inclusive playground, sensory wall, and the Miracle Ball Field.

My daughter, grandson, and I visited Miracle Park on Wednesday, March 30, 2022. This was my first time visiting the newly developed park. My grandson, Coleman, was fascinated by all the different aspects in the park where he could touch, climb, swing, and make music.

Only phase one of the park project is open at this time. It is One-of-a-kind inclusive Playground. It was developed so that no matter your age, your physical or mental ability this park is one you will surely enjoy. It has a music section, resistance equipment, an area for interactive games, sensory walls, and a pathway that addresses all five of the senses. The park also maintains a family restroom, Adult changing station, Concession area, One Miracle League Field, A Traditional Baseball field and plenty of unique universal design elements.

Pictured here is the hexagonal climbing apparatus. There is rope and metal areas for children to use to climb to the top as demonstrated by my grandson. Parts of it he had difficulty climbing on his own, so my daughter and I lent a helping hand.

Coleman is discovering how to make sound from the various equipment in the music area of the park. This area also has various sizes of pipes for the children to hit with attached mallets or drumsticks to make music. He really had a fantastic time playing and discovering the innumerable aspects that are a part of this well thought out, planned, and developed park.

My daughter and grandson are interacting on this modern designed Spinner or Merry-go-Round. Not exactly what it is called, but it is similar to a metal merry-go-round I played on as a child. As you can see it was designed for “kids” of all ages.

These swings are not your ordinary swings. They swing from one end to another and back again. The park also has regular swings, toddler and baby swings, as well as a heavy-duty disc swing. The swings were designed for adults and children of all ages and abilities to be able to enjoy and have tons of fun.

If you find yourself in the Rock Hill, South Carolina area and would like to visit Miracle Park, I encourage you to do so. The address is 1006 Eden Terrace, Rock Hill, South Carolina 29730.

God bless. Enjoy the video. Take time to get outdoors and enjoy life. Visit your local, state, or national parks and discovery new and exciting things to do and be sure to include fun in your outings.

As always, I appreciate y’all and hop you’ll stop by and visit with me again. Remember to like, comment, and follow. Have a great day!

Monday Meanderings: Coleman wanderings

Coleman….off he goes

My grandson, Coleman loves to be in the outdoors. He loves to hike through the meadows, forests, or wherever you’ll let him wander.

Come on Nana……
I’m gonna leave you behind
if you don’t hurry up.

And off we go on our Monday meanderings. It is a bright sun shiny day. Beautiful morning to spend hiking in nature. Upon entering the trail by our home, we come across the chickens letting us know they roaming free range today.

Chickens making their presence known

Let’s hurry on by……Don’t want to get pecked.

Coleman scurrying through the meadow.

We came across down tree branches from the latest rain/windstorms. Bright blue skies, puddles, and an old shed were among our discoveries today.

Coleman and his many expressions

Coleman decided to check his height against a stack in the middle of the meadow. Now on to more discoveries and enjoying being outdoors.

On the way back, a turn, a smile, more puddles, and an interesting metal squirrel.

Panoramic view of the meadow.

Do you think the hike tired him out? No way, he was still full of energy and ready for some swinging.

Coleman swinging and a twisting having a good ole time.

I hope your day was filled with God’s beauty and were able to enjoy some warmth from the sun shining down upon you. Always know the Son, Jesus Christ, is shining upon your day.

God bless. Try to Get Outdoors, enjoy nature, and be amazed by all that God has created. Remember I appreciate y’all very much. Feel free to like, comment, and follow.

Happy Spring

Happy Spring

Happy Spring! Spring is a time for new life, new growth, and new beginnings. A time to awaken from the cold dreary days of winter. A time to get outdoors and enjoy the warm sun shining down upon you. A time for long walks enjoying nature and the new growth of flowers popping up in the meadows.

Springtime is the favorite season for some people. Glad to see the snow finally melting away and new life springing forth upon the now lushes fields. Do you enjoy springtime? What do you like about it? I love the warmer weather and seeing all the flowers 🌸 creeping up from the ground.

Sharing a poem, I like, by Patricia L. Cisco:

Song of March

With winter’s footprints in the past,
and snows begin to melt at last.

With longer days and shorter nights, 
the wayward winds of March take flight.

Four winds she holds within her grip,
then hurls them from her fingertip.

Her woolly, fleecy clouds of white,
she sets in skies of blue delight.

Her wild bouts of gusty breezes
roar through valleys, hills, and trees.

That high pitch whistling song she sings
awakens earth and flowering things.

She tears a hole in heaven’s sky
so sun can shine and rain can cry.

She gently calms as spring draws near, 
as blooming daffodils appear.

She welcomes April showers in, 
then gathers up her dwindling winds.
Now her long journey home begins,

knowing she’ll be back this way, 
upon a cold, late winter’s day, 

when nights grow short
and days grow long.

Listen for her whistling song!

Source: https://www.familyfriendpoems.com/poem/song-of-march

I trust you have found ways to enjoy the first day of Spring. God bless! Remember I appreciate y’all.

Spring Flowers 🌸

Beautiful Sunshiny Day: Outdoor Time with Coleman

It was such a beautiful sunshiny day. The Sun ☀️ glistening over the pasture as deer grazed in our sights. God blesses us with wonderful views of nature and his creations right from our own backyard. Isn’t God great? God is Good.

Coleman exploring and having fun.
Whether he’s running or swinging
he’s having a wonderful time
enjoying the beautiful day
outside in the bright sunshine.
My grandson, Coleman
you gotta love ❤️
his expressions
Happy Thursday
Be blessed
Be happy

Whatever your day was like, I trust you had a blessed day. Know that you are beautiful. You are loved.

God bless. Remember I appreciate y’all. Feel free to like, comment, and follow. Thank you!

Daily Prompt: Would you rather go camping or to the beach? Why? Part Five: Conclusion

This is the fifth and final segment on “Would you rather go camping or to the beach? Why?”We’ve discussed the advantages and disadvantages of going to the beach. We’ve deliberated about the advantages and disadvantages of going camping. In this segment we’ll compare the advantages and disadvantages of going to the beach with those of going camping. And in conclusion I’ll let y’all know where I would rather go.

There are many amazing and exciting benefits of going to the beach 🏖 and of going camping 🏕. It’s up too you to decide which benefits are best for you. Now to see the comparison of the similarities between going to the beach and going camping.

The benefits of going to the beach and going camping are similar in the following ways:

  • Improves your health
  • Helps you to unplug from technology
  • Reduces stress
  • Lifts and improves your mood
  • Increase Vitamin D intake quickly
  • Change of scenery
  • Better sleep
  • Plenty of exercise opportunities

Similarities between the disadvantages of going to the beach and going camping are:

  • Expensive – Beach rentals and cost of food and Camping equipment and limited food
  • Dogs – may or may not be allowed. Need to plan ahead.
  • Chance of getting sunburned. Need to be sure to bring sunscreen.
  • Weather – Could be too hot, too cold, or rainy. Need to prepare ahead for possible weather changes.

Do the similarities make it more difficult to choose between the beach or camping or easier? If not, maybe the differences between to two will help you decide which you would prefer. The following is a list of differences that going to the beach has that camping does not.

Beach Benefits:

  • Improves overall well-being
  • Boosts your immune system
  • Improves breathing

Beach Disadvantages:

  • Overcrowding – too many visitors/people
  • Bacteria/viruses possible
  • Sand. Sand. Sand. – Let’s face it, it gets everywhere and sticks to everything.
  • Travel time. Might take hours to travel to a beach depending on where you live. For me it is a three-hour drive.
  • Trash/Waste. Not just ordinary trash left behind by people, but also animal or human waste.

What Camping has to offer that the Beach does not.

Camping Benefits:

  • Strengthens Relationships
  • Develop Life Skills
  • Get Closer to Nature
  • Affordable – Cost less than renting a hotel room
  • Improves Problem Solving
  • Food tastes better. Doesn’t everything taste better cooked over an open campfire?

Camping Disadvantages:

  • Bugs – specifically mosquitoes. They often come out at night or in heavily wooded areas.
  • Shared Bathroom facilities.

My list may or may not be similar to your list for the advantages and disadvantages of going to the beach as compared to going camping, however, that is perfectly alright. I encourage you to make your own lists, weight the pros and cons of each, and decide for yourself or with your family which is a better fit.

In conclusion, what do I prefer? When I was younger, I lived closer to the beach and went often. I used to play volleyball and go waterskiing. It was lots of fun. I often went with friends or met my church youth group there. My junior high and high school summers were usually spent at church camp. My youth group did not go to “Christian” campgrounds for the most part. Instead, my youth pastor took us to state or national parks. Those were some fabulous times communing with nature and being with friends.

I’m not so young anymore and do not live close to the beach. The beach is a minimum of a three-hour drive if not longer depending on the beach. There are plenty of local or fairly close state and national campgrounds with easy access for camping. I fell in love with the outdoors and nature as a teenager and that is the choice, I prefer to this day. And in case you were wondering, I still tent camp and love it.

I love to cook over a blazing campfire day or night. Cooking breakfast, lunch, and supper every day is terrific. It might take work to build the campfire and keep it stoked, but it so worth it.

God Bless. Go Camping. Go to the Beach. Just get away and get outdoors. Enjoy the fresh air and the night sky. Have fun.

Please like, comment, and follow. I appreciate y’all.

Andrew Jackson State Park: Camping 🏕, Hiking 🥾, Play

Andrew Jackson State Park is a wonderful place to spend outside whether it is for a day trip or for camping. It is one of 47 State Parks, Historic Sites, Resort Park, and Recreational area within the State of South Carolina. These areas are protected by the South Carolina State Park Service.

Statute of Andrew Jackson
The Boy of the Waxhaws
My grandson, Coleman, investigating

There are many interesting areas and fun activities to do in the State Park. From visiting an old schoolhouse similar to what Andrew Jackson would have attended, to various statues like the Boy of the Waxhaws. A museum is on site which includes the campground office and a small gift shop. There are 2 hiking trails with a length of one mile each. 1 trail begins at the meeting house and the other begins to the left of the fishing dock. The second trail is the one I use the most. It makes a loop around the lake with a moderate dirt path.

Map of Andrew Jackson State Park.
It shows the location of the trails and amenities. https://southcarolinaparks.com/andrew-jackson/trails#jump

Other activities that you could choose to do would be to go fishing, canoeing, row a boat on the lake, enjoy the gardens, and camp in one of the sites in the campground. There are 25 camp sites available to rent. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends. When I visited on Saturday with my grandson only a few sites were open for rent. Reservations can be made online and there is a discount for seniors 65+. There is also a playground children can use to play. I know my grandson loves to play on the playground.

The State Park has two picnic shelters that can be rented out to groups or family gatherings. The Friends of Andrew Jackson along with the State Park host an annual Andrew Jackson Birthday Celebration. The celebration is free with park admission. It is a day filled with reenactments, living history demonstrations, and a chance to learn more about Andrew Jackson, our Seventh President of the United States. For the past two years the celebrations had to be cancelled due to CDC guidelines and the Covid-19 pandemic. In years past, I have helped with the various needs and planning which takes place to make the celebration a success. This year it is taking place on March 19, 2022, from 10:00am to 4:00pm.

In November, Life in the Waxhaws Lantern tour is held in the evening usually beginning around 6:00 pm and lasting until approximately 7:30 pm. It is wise to bring flashlights with you if you plan to attend the tour. Tour groups are lead every 30 minutes. The Lantern Tour is designed so you can understand what life was like back in the 18th century. Each event gives you a glimpse of what it was like for Andrew Jackson and the events that helped shape the community.

While you walk or hike around the park you might have chance encounters with animals that roam the park. Bicycles are allowed on the paved roads throughout the park. Whatever your mode of transportation you choose, you’ll love getting around the park and enjoy the serene atmosphere of being in nature.

God Bless. Get outdoors and enjoy nature. Visit State Parks. Visit Andrew Jackson State Park whenever you travel through South Carolina. I know you’ll be glad you did. It is a wonderful experience.

I trust you enjoyed seeing my visit to Andrew Jackson State Park. Till next time, Stay safe. Stay Healthy. Enjoy Living.

Words and Photos are mine @gfpacificbee.

Daily Prompt: Would you rather go camping or to the beach? Why? Part Four

Welcome to Part Four of Would you rather go camping or to the beach? So far, we have discussed the advantages and disadvantages of going to the beach and the advantages of going camping. Today we’ll discover some of the disadvantages of going camping.

Camping will be fun they say…. It’ll be great, you’ll see. Nobody tells you in advance how much work goes into camping. First of all, you need to decide what kind of camping you are going to do. Are you going to be tent camping? Are you going to camp in a recreational vehicle? If you do not have the equipment or the RV, you’ll either need to purchase them or rent them.

Disadvantages of Camping:

  • Camping can be expensive.
  • Often low comfort level. Especially if you choose to tent camp. AIr mattresses are a plus, but you’ll still be on the ground.
  • Often, you’ll need to book your camp site in advance.
  • It might be crowded at the campground depending on the time of year you choose to camp. Campgrounds are more crowded on the weekends than during the week.
  • Back Problems, possibly due to sleeping on the hard ground, or doing heavy lifting.
  • Weather could be bad. Possibly rain, too hot, or really cold freezing temperatures. Of course, if you choose to camp in an RV, it won’t affect you as bad as in a tent.
  • You’ll need to purchase camping equipment if you do not already have them. Let’s face it, equipment can be expensive.
  • NO internet. But then why do you need internet if you’re out in the woods to enjoy nature?
  • Share a bathroom with everyone at the campsite.
  • Bugs. They could bite or be loud at night. You could also encounter other animals wandering into your campsite.
  • Limited Food. You’ll need to plan ahead on what food to bring. You may not be able to run to the store very quickly to pick up food you forgot to bring.
My tent I used in June of 2019 at Andrew Jackson State Park
My view of the Lake at
Andrew Jackson State Park

Before you go camping, you’ll need to decide if the advantages outweigh the disadvantages and if it is the right thing for you to do. You’ll also need to plan ahead. Decide which type of camping you’ll be doing, what equipment you’ll need, and what food to bring along with you. You’ll also need to decide if you’ll be going alone or bringing family and/or friends along. Whatever you decide, plan on having fun.

Life is Better at the Campsite.

God Bless. Get Outdoors and enjoy nature. Have fun and don’t forget to bring the sunscreen. Please feel free to like, comment, and follow. I appreciate y’all.

Lindsay Pettus Greenway

The Lindsay Pettus Greenway:
Environment Education Exhibit

The Lindsay Pettus Greenway located in Lancaster, South Carolina is a fairly new greenway having opened to the public not quite two years ago on November 21, 2020. The Greenway is honored to be a segment of the Carolina Thread Trail. The Thread Trail is a developing network of regional greenways, trails, and blueways reaching millions of people in 15 counties across North and South Carolina. The Thread Trail is committed to preserving natural areas and is designed to be a place for exploring nature, culture, science, and history.

The Lindsay Pettus Greenway

The Greenway was established to enable residents a safe space to enjoy being outdoors. It was envisioned as a place for accessibility to public art. It has a tunnel underpass with an exquisite “Nature’s Delight “ mural. I was not able to see the mural on my visit this time, but plan on seeing it on my next visit.

Comporium Communications Trail Access

Currently the Lindsay Pettus Greenway has three trail access points. Comporium Communications Trail Access is located at 459 Colonial Drive. Parking is available across the road to the entrance in the Lancaster High School football visitors lot. This is the trail access point that I used on my visit Saturday with my grandson.

My grandson, Coleman, at the entrance to the Comporium Communications Trail Access.
Lindsay Pettus Greenway
Walk Run Ride
Directions to the various areas along the trail.

The Founder’s Federal Credit Union Trail Access is located at 610 E. Meeting Street. Parking is available behind the Barr Street Learning Center. This access has a tree canopy, covered bike rack, and a family friendly rest area.

There are also Neighborhood and Downtown Access Points which make connection to local businesses, schools, and downtown. These access points, however, do not contain public parking. This access points are:

  • Survey Street – Legacy Brick Plaza is featured
  • Almetta Street
  • Clinton Avenue
  • Independence Park
  • Colonial Avenue and Roddey Drive

Phase One of the Greenway is fully open to the public with additional phases in progress. This first phase is 2 miles in length. It mostly consists of pavement and boardwalk. It has 0.3 miles of natural path that you can walk. The path is 10 feet wide and is easily accessible to everyone of all abilities.

My grandson overlooking the creek.

Greenway’s are excellent areas, located in local communities, to get outdoors and safely go for a walk, jog, or bicycle ride. The only motorized vehicles allowed are motorized wheelchairs. They are areas to explore nature and learn about the environment without needing to travel a great distance. They encourage physical fitness by providing accessible paths to enjoy.

I encourage everyone to get outdoors and enjoy nature. Visit a Greenway near you soon. God Bless. Stay Safe. Enjoy Life.

If you find yourself near Lancaster, South Carolina feel free to come visit, walk, run, or ride on the Lindsay Pettus Greenway. You’ll enjoy the views and get a fantastic physical workout at the same time.

Warming Up: Outside Play

The weather is warming up and spring is approaching. Are you enjoying spring like weather? Or perhaps where you’re at you’re still in the midst of crazy winter weather. No matter which I hope you’re able to enjoy some quality outdoor time.

Time to slide
Trying to take canopy off
Weeeeee……more sliding
Swinging from the bar
That was fun 🤩. I’m gonna do it again.
Collage of yesterday’s outside playtime.

Outside watching my grandson enjoy playing is a wonderful thing. I love ❤️ to see him enjoying himself. The smile 😊 on his face, his energetic enthusiasm, lifts my spirit.

God bless. Be energetic. Be full of life. Have fun.

Please feel free to like, comment, and follow. I appreciate y’all.

Comfort Zone: Step out yes or no?

What do you think about when you hear comfort zone? A place? A feeling? A person? Or perhaps an object? A comfort zone can be different for everyone.

According to the Cambridge dictionary, a comfort zone “is a situation in which you feel comfortable and in which your ability and determination are not being tested.”

https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/

A comfort zone is psychological, behavioral, and emotional state of mind whereby a person operates in familiar anxiety/stress free environment. You are comfortable, at ease and in control of your circumstances. In a comfort zone little risk is exhibited. It is where you feel most comfortable, not doing anything new or challenging.

There are 2 types of comfort zones which include:

  1. Habits of Action – examples are eating your certain foods, never missing your favorite tv show, or yelling when you are frustrated.
  2. Habits of Thinking – include focusing on the negative, feeling grateful for small things, or finding fault with others.

There are some habits that exuberate both action and thinking. Samples of these consist of repeatedly playing caretaker, being the expert, being the free spirit, and/or playing the martyr.

People, especially in work environments, often say you need to step out of your comfort zone. Is stepping out really necessary? Often times we stay in our comfort zones because that is where we feel safe. Other times it is simply out of habit, routine. Staying in our comfort zones could mean we are avoiding doing something that might actually be beneficial for us. It can also prevent us from reaching our full potential.

Where do you stand? Where do I stand? Before Covid-19, I think sometimes I resorted to staying in my comfort zone. Why? Being afraid of trying something new or going to new places hinders me from the excitement or adventures that exist out in this world. I used to be more carefree, now I hardly go anywhere. I see people traveling, being around lots of people, but I am not at the point where I feel safe from COVID.

It is said that life begins at the end of your comfort zone. The assumption is that you are not truly living if you remain in your comfort zone. There are varying lists of suggestions to assist you in stepping out of your comfort zone.

  • Changing your daily routine. For the past two years my routine, my schedule basically stays the same. I take care of my now 2-year-old grandson, and he needs to maintain a routine for stability. However, a change in the walking route is makes is not so dull or boring.
  • Trying a new hobby. This I have not done for a long time, maybe I should.
  • Setting a major goal. A goal I have is to become debt-free. That is difficult, but not impossible to achieve.
  • Saying “yes” more.
  • Exploring more. This I need until I developed cataracts and depend on others for rides. I do occasionally try to explore the woods with my grandson.
  • Confronting a fear.
  • Showing others your idea.
  • Keep Learning.
  • Never Give Up.
  • Enjoy what you do.

The lists are numerous. The lists contain excellent suggestions for stepping outside of your/my comfort zone. When was the last time you stepped out of your comfort zone?

I believe the last time I stepped out of my comfort zone was 2 years ago in 2019. I had recently retired and on an impulse, I accepted an invitation to go on a cruise with my sister-in-law’s sister. The cruise sailed out of Galveston, Texas. I traveled by bus from Charlotte, North Carolina to San Antonio, Texas where I was picked up by Monica. I then stayed at her home for a couple of weeks before the cruise. The stay at home was not exactly as I had imagined it would be and was ready to leave rather quickly. However, I did not leave. I stayed and kept my promise to go on the Royal Caribbean cruise with her to San Marcos and Cozumel, Mexico. I am glad I did. I enjoyed myself. Show some fantastic entertainment, ate some delicious food, and saw sites I would never have seen otherwise. Was I afraid? Skeptical? Yes, I was. Even so, it was well worth leaving my comfort zone.

God bless. Feel free to like, comment, and follow. I would enjoy hearing about when you last stepped out of your comfort zone.