Phototherapy Wednesday: A Day in Nature

View of the Catskill Mountains from a cliff at Lake Minnewaska

Phototherapy Wednesday: A Day Out in Nature

Yesterday, I made time to pull away from work and the cares of my daily life to take a day trip out of New York City. It was not as easy to do, since I can always find a task to do for work. As an entrepreneur and creative, there never seems to be enough time on any given day to do them all. Also, there is always the guilt associated with taking time to pause. But yesterday, I was going to take a moment to celebrate life, and so I did it. I must say, it was worth every bit of the effort.

My brother and I drove 2 hours north from NYC, to a place called Lake Minnewaska, it’s just outside the city limits of New Paltz, NY. I’ve been visiting there for more than three decades. It’s my favorite place for my quick getaways. It’s Autumn now in the state of New York, and it’s one of the best places to take in the changing of the tree leaves. In my opinion, being bias, of course, it’s a no-brainer. Lol.

You know me, well those who follow me on social media do. I enjoy incorporating photography into my daily workouts. A day out hiking 12 miles and up a mountain elevation of 1,900-feet was not going to be any different. I loaded my backpack with some light camera gear and with my smartphone in hand, I was on a mission to create some gorgeous phototherapy. Photography is my work and play, so photographing my hike was no chore at all, although it required a little patience from my brother. He was really a good sport about it since he loves my passion and drives for snapping great images.

When I am out on the hiking trail, I am so aware of my surroundings as I hike through the amazing changing terrain. Every occasion to observe and take in the magnificence of nature seems to cleanse and free my mind. Being out in nature has always been medicine for my mind and soul. This was clearly a great day.

After the hike, we went to one of my favorite places to dine on the main street in town, P&G’s. I go there every time I am in New Paltz for those delicious chicken fingers, sweet potato fries, and ginger ale. Talk about ending the day right. After, it was time to head back home and prepare for the rest of the workweek. I am now in a new refreshed state of mind and ready to take on new challenges.

Phototherapy Lesson:

A good way to be more effective at work is to take a moment to leave it for a totally different change of scenery. It is in these kinds of moments I receive some of my best creative thoughts and solutions.

What suggestions do you have to help others take a mental and emotional break from work and daily life?

Remember to take a moment to pause, breathe, and relax. Because you deserve it.

For more photos from this wonderful getaway click here for my Instagram

Phototherapy Wednesday: Pure Joy in Work and Play

The Beauty of Botswana
Title: Pure Joy and Play

It has been more than three years since my time spent in the great country of Botswana. And oh how I long to return to this incredible place. The grace of the people, an abundance of wildlife, and the diversity of landscapes; each evoked strong emotions in me to want to linger in this lovely African country.

Upon my return from spending the morning on the Okavango Delta, I was approached by this beautiful young Botswana girl, who was intrigued by my cameras and gear. She paused from collecting water in her jugs along the water’s edge of the delta, walked over to me with her incredible smile, and asked me to photograph her. I was delighted too, but I could see her older sister had completed her water gathering and I could not leave her out of the fun. So I was able to take these wonderful images.

Phototherapy lesson learned: It’s ok to take a moment to pause from your project. Never be so busy that you can’t enjoy an instant of pleasure while you work. You deserve a second to feel the good energy from your smile.

The Beauty of Botswana
Title: Okavango Girl