Hey lovelies,
This past week has been filled with a lot of sudden change, which has been a tad difficult for me. However, I know that the only constant is change and I accept the challenges life throws at me. People deal with difficult times in so many different ways. One of the things I have found helpful is Rewilding.
According to Dictionary.com rewild means:
rewild [ree-wahyld]
verb (used with object)
“1. to introduce (animals or plants) to their original habitat or to a habitat similar to their natural one: proposals to rewild elephants to the American plains.”
“2. to return (land) to a more natural state: rewilding an unpopulated island for use as an animal preserve.”
For me, Rewilding means:
To reconnect with nature and return one’s spirit to a more natural state.
Yesterday morning I woke up feeling emotionally overwhelmed. Rather than give in to my emotions, I challenged myself to get up and go experience the rugged beauty Salt Spring Island has to offer. A friend of mine who is a hobbyist photographer picked me up and we went out to find a spot to take some photos.
As we were driving, I decided I wanted to be near the water. While looking for a place, we came upon Stowel Lake. I have a long history of swimming at Stowel with my husband Mountain (soon to be my ex-husband) and our four gorgeous kids. As we pulled up, it was as if the lake called to me. I checked the temperature; it was 37 degrees Fahrenheit, which is approximately 2.78 degrees Celcius. A little cold for a swim, but I am a tough cookie.
For me, there is something deeply therapeutic about water. My family home (which my mom still lives in) is located directly across from the Pefferlaw river and quite close to Lake Simcoe. Because of my proximity to water during my childhood, I grew up canoeing, sailing, windsurfing, and swimming. Other than making love with someone I care deeply about, nothing frees my soul like swimming.
I honestly wasn’t sure if I would be brave enough to get in the freezing cold water. I stripped down and immediately felt the cool splash of rain droplets on my skin. It took me a few minutes, but I finally walked knee high into the water. I rapidly turned back; the cold was too much. As I walked away from the water, I felt sadness ripple through my mind, body, and spirit. So I turned back around, took a deep breath and dove in. As the cold water rushed over my body I imagined that I would leave my sadness behind for mother nature to transform.
It was liberating and exhilarating and I felt a renewed sense of joy…
I hope you are having a beautiful day.
From my heart to yours,
Joy
we are always wild
Ccccccold!!! 😱🎅⛄
Brave girl! 🙂
Brave woman 😉