Member-only story
Go Ahead! Smell the Pumpkin Spice
Reclaiming your joy through engaging the senses
This weekend my husband and I visited a craft show in Ohio held on the grounds of a historical estate. There was just a hint of chill in the air and the leaves were a beautiful combination of yellow and red.
The parking lot was overflowing so we had to park at a nearby school and ride a bus to the event. We couldn’t help but reminisce and laugh about our school years. Those bus seats definitely weren’t meant for full-size adults.
As we walked around the property the smell of hot apple cider and freshly baked gingerbread wafted by. Little white tents dotted the landscape filled with everything from paintings to pottery to clothing, all handcrafted by artisans.
I was happy, really happy, for the first time in a while.
In looking back on that experience, I realized my joy stemmed from focusing on the present and taking it all in. For a moment, I wasn’t thinking about the stressors in my life or in the world. I was just enjoying a beautiful fall day, shopping with my best friend.
