This was Deerfield Lake out near Hill City. I previously talked about a book by Mark Batterson, “Play the Man”, where he described how a “Change of Pace” + “A Change of Place” = ” A Change of Perspective”. Continuing where I left off previously, it is now time to talk about a “Change of Place”. A few weeks ago, Sarah and I went on vacation in the Black Hills and stayed in Hill City. Talk about a perfect place to make/have a change. Hiking, biking, walking, the scenery, the QUIET! What a great week! The Mickelson trail was about a 1/10 of a mile from where we stayed, and we were on it every day!
Sunrise, sunset, clouds…it did not matter. The views were incredible. It was also before we hit this heat wave. In fact, 2 of the mornings it was 32 degrees!! Time to think. Time to slow down. And especially, a “change in place” to accomplish it in!
We went to Spearfish Canyon, and then hit Spearfish Falls one day. Incredible! If you have not seen it, you must go.
But best of all, I got to spend a week away with Sarah! We did the things we love to do by exercising…hiking different trails, walking the Mickelson Trail every day, and biking on it as well. We took a break when we needed to, but it was a great way to go explore places and see it firsthand by using our feet! It was great to unwind and just forget about everything else for a while. We all need to do this. We need to do it not only for our physical well-being, but also our mental well-being. After changing the pace, and changing the place, we came back with a different perspective, and ready to go at what life what ready to challenge us with again. Just what these doctors ordered!
If you have never been on the Mickelson Trail before, you need to do it. Great scenery. We saw lots of deer out there as well. Quiet. A perfect time, and place, to just think! We were on no set schedule while we were there. No pressure to do this and that. We just took it as it came and enjoyed it more. We all need to remember to slow down and find that place for us as individuals that can give us a different outlook, and hopefully come back with a different perspective. Keep moving everybody!
Dr. Dan
Consecutive Exercise Day of New Streak: #1183
