Finding our ‘happy place’: an opportunity for rediscovering the peace within.

It's Saturday and it's chilly... well, chilly for Florida at least! Why is it important to know the day? Having been on winter break for the past two weeks, I'm still trying to keep track of the days, so I needed that reminder for myself! However, what is important is that today, the day of the week doesn't really matter because I'm in one of my 'happy' places, a hidden gem of a farm close to where I live, yet where you'd least expect it.

What began as a chance to explore therapeutic horse riding has evolved into a journey that has not only benefited my son but also filled my life with immense peace and joy! As I sit in my car, gazing at the beautiful surroundings, I find myself pondering what creates that space where we feel we can simply "be," a place where inhibitions are absent, and daily struggles are left far behind?

There's no denying that life can be hectic. It often feels like we're rushing from one thing to another, with little time to pause and breathe unless we allow ourselves that chance. Multitasking is often admired as a skill that ensures we complete everything in a day, yet I wonder how beneficial it truly is. The reality is, when we operate at a frantic pace, prioritizing everyone and everything else, we miss the opportunity to connect with that internal part of us that needs to recharge, the piece that, if ignored for too long, will begin to stumble and falter and whither away.

I suppose that's one reason I consider the farm to be one of my 'happy places.' Here, I feel far removed from the daily hustle and bustle of every day life and for the hour or two that we’re here, it’s like my every day ‘real’ life has evaporated into thin air. Feeling the breeze on my face, whether on horseback or just walking around, brings a sense that all my worries and fears have been whisked away, leaving only the present moment behind. Here, I can breathe in the peace and beauty around me, knowing that as I exhale, the weight on my shoulders will be released and absorbed by the surrounding nature.

The truth is, our daily lives will always be there; the stressors and anxiety we carry may dissipate temporarily, but by finding those pockets of time where we truly leave it all behind, we realize that we have all we need within us to keep going.

Perhaps the definition of a “happy place”, therefore, is that it’s an opportunity that provides a sanctuary to nurture our inner spirit, a place where we can carve out time in our lives to truly unwind and reconnect with ourselves. And so, as I sit here watching the magnificent beauty of the horses grazing peacefully in the fields, enjoying the quiet that surrounds me, I’m reminded that these moments of tranquility are essential for our well-being. They truly do empower us to face life’s challenges with renewed clarity and strength and provide a place we not only rediscover our inner strength, but can embrace the true joy of simply being.