HOME GROWN TOMATOES-WHY NO-THING REALLY MATTERS

Somewhere between Central, PA and Pocahontas County, WV

There is something about hitting your mid-30's. Specially when you have accomplished a lot in your time. You start to really assess how you are spending your time. I now care more about how happy I have spent my time than I am about how productive I have been. For a while I thought this was a sign of growth, I had matured, and because of that I was probably not going to be maturing more anytime soon. My next lesson I believed was scheduled to be learned in my early 40's.

However, I went on a trip to Pocahontas County, WV. I stayed in a very small town with a population of just over one thousand. The nearest movie theater was about 45 miles away and there were very few shops or things to do. I wanted this as I needed a respite from my hectic life and have learned to cherish solitude. I was looking for peace. Alas, I ended up finding something else.

I ended up entertaining myself hiking and taking a closer look at nature. I found waterfalls and burly bearded men that became very shy in the presence of a woman. I enjoyed gorgeous Allegheny vistas and learned how to walk softly on this earth. After being refreshed, I returned home.

I arrived home in time to run personal errands. There were a few things I needed to buy and had been putting off for a while now, so I went to get them. Something happened. All of a sudden nothing mattered. Nothing as in NO-Thing mattered. I became keenly aware that even if I had the perfectly themed living room, I would not be any happier than I already was. I realized that even if I had better clothes, I still wouldn't feel as good about my body as I felt in that moment...seriously, nothing like going on a few serious hikes to feel very proud of your body. The truth is that when you are in a place where enjoyment can only be derived by being contented with yourself, you learn that you don't need any THING or any ONE Person to be happy. You either are happy or you're not, and in the end, it really is all up to you.

So I am thankful to my 30's and to Pocahontas County, WV for allowing me to grow some more. I said GROW, not AGE.

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