the wonderful outdoors

writing on my own outdoor experience
by Ashley Smith
March 2, 2007

The other day I took a bike ride with two of my girlfriends. It was the first time I had done a physical activity oudoors purely for leisure since the fall. It felt so good and refreshing to be outside and feel my hair blow in the wind as I peddled down the street. It was a feeling of freedom, and not having to feel the burden on my shoulders of all my other respsonsibilities and obligations for a brief moment. The ride was a great escape from my daily routine. It brought a sense of diversity to my day-a break from all the mundane rituals and routines that I must perform daily. I also made the point to not bring along my cell phone on the bike ride, so I could be completely cut off dfrom all outside stressors and media. I wanted to get in tune with my own, real and true thoughts. Sometimes when I do not make time for just myself I begin to get moody and irritable. Being otuside and being active always improves my mood and makes my dispositon much better. I felt like my mind was finally clear and that I could think for myself without other people intruding on my thoughts.