Slowing Down

Slow Down

Hiking isn’t about getting from Point A to Point B as quickly as possible (well, unless there is a thunderstorm). A hike with your kids is about the adventure you have along the way. However, when you think of an adventure you might envision towering cliffs, raging rivers, plunging waterfalls but to your child every day and new experience is an adventure.

It is difficult to slow down. Especially when as an adult you are typically juggling a busy work schedule, kid’s scheduled activities, and life in general it is hard to stop and smell the roses.

Next time you are out with your kids on a hike make a point to take your time along the trail and see what you can discover by simply looking.

On a recent hike, my daughter discovered this chewed walnut and though it was the most incredible thing ever. She marveled over what it could be, what could have made those marks in it, what was inside of it, and what would want to live it the shell now. I forced myself to not say, “Come on! Let’s get going!” instead I said, “Wow! That is really amazing! What do you think?” This open ended conversation lead to a rather amusing discussion about squirrels versus chipmunks and the snail that would finally have a place to call home.