Sometimes the pain and craziness of life catches up with us and we feel like there is no place to go to escape from the everyday pressures of life. That’s when we need to follow a prescription for “peace” that was given to me a long time ago by a family doctor. His Rx was very plain and clear to understand: “Spend time alone with nature every day. Find at least one thing to be thankful for each day.” That was it.

I wondered if the doctor had lost his mind. I was anxious, overburdened, and stressed. I was experiencing burnout from life. And, he didn’t give me any medication — rather he told me to spend time with nature and be thankful. That’s not what I wanted to hear. I wanted a way to fix my pain and brokenness. What I didn’t understand yet was that the doctor had indeed given me the right formula — the correct prescription for peace.

I began to do as the doctor said…….I began by taking a small walk every day. At that time, I lived in town, and was not near a forest, or lake, or gardens. So, I walked and appreciated the flowers in others front lawns, the occasional chipmunk that ran across the street, and I even grew to like seeing the little caterpillars that were on the sidewalk. Little did I know at that time that my heart was beginning to find peace. I became thankful for all of the signts and sounds I found while on my walk.

It is now many years after that family doctor handed me the prescription, and to this day, I always begin my day with saying “thank you” for something in my life, and I always walk with nature even if only for 5 or 10 minutes each day. The peace I feel when seeing the beauty in nature cannot be found in a pill. And, the stress that is relieved when I say “thank you” is unbelieveable. In fact, I’ll guarantee you that you won’t be able to stop saying “thank you” for just one thing in your life……..you’ll continue on and on and on and on.

Sometimes the most simple acts bring about the biggest changes in our lives. Are you searching for healing and peace? If so……spend some time with nature every day and say thank you. The formula works!!!!!