Escapism
“A Weekend In The Next Town Could Be The Escape You’re Looking For”
One hundred eighty-nine and ninety-one miles away from the city, as I exited the freeway and made my way off Interstate seventy-five, I noticed the atmosphere change somewhat enjoyably. The streets rapt the emotions in the air; a hug of lodges stood beautifully on each side of the road stretches forward, hugging the land. The sky, a pink-orange, teemed with the gentlest of white. An old wooden door appeared, nestled in freshly brightened hues of green, a cottage with a story to tell. If walls could only talk.
The trees beamed flush, their comforting scent enhanced the air. I heard the most fantastic song yet as birds chirped come from everywhere. And if that wasn’t enough, the sunset spreading its glorious rays on all greens of the scene gave me a show to remember. Finally, I arrived at my destination, a striking little town that instantly makes a stroll on Collin’s Avenue seem hackneyed. Suddenly a sweet moment of inner serenity engulfed me as if I’d been here before and had already experienced the good moments in this place. As if I figured out all my worries. By being there, I had escaped it all for the weekend.
“Take the pressure off and temporarily disconnect.”
Escapism is to seek distraction and relief from unpleasant realities. We escape to take the pressure off and temporarily disconnect. Most, if not all, of us engage in healthy escapism, whether traveling, watching an excellent film, listening to music, trying a new restaurant with loved ones, or having a fabulous time. For that hour or so, we left any pressing concerns or qualms behind simply because emotions are fleeting, and almost every time, we ride them out.
Summer is when mother nature is at her best. With stunning scenes, pleasing sounds, and sweet aromas, it makes us feel lighter, wanting to fall in love, driving down quiet roads in search of thrilling adventures, letting our inhibitions down, and craving to see more and do more. But, of course, life is challenging – and stress, anxiety, and depression are all too familiar. So accordingly, we must find ways to escape our everyday happenings to maintain our mental and emotional stability.
So, I guess what I’m saying is taking time to break away and stepping back a bit from the reality of our lives; as a result, we can find ourselves better prepared to deal with situations and handle any obstacles we may face. Now and then, the escape we’re looking for isn’t being in another country or some grand thing but, amazingly, the next town a few miles away. Or the next city we’ve driven by but never take the time to saunter curiously.
Until next time, xoxo.
Sherdley S
