Playing in Dirt for Mental Health

 Did you know that playing in the dirt is good for your mental health? Science says it is.

I've noticed over the last year, as I've working in my yard and planting seedlings, that my overall demeanor is different. I'm calmer. I feel less stressed. 

And when I miss a few days of dirt, I get tense and cranky. I've thought it was just the relaxing sounds and feels of being outdoors. But that's just part of it. 

Science has found microbes in soil that cause the brain to produce more serotonin, a neurotransmitter that sends information between the nerve cells. It effects mood and emotions to name just a couple functions. As you work in the soil, you inhale the microbes into your body and they do their thing in your brain.     

Outdoors

 It's been a busy Spring so far. The garden is growing like crazy! We should have peas soon and I've already harvest a radish!! The raspberries, blueberries and strawberries are full of blossoms and fruit. 

We planted the grass and then the rain started. Lots of rain. Finally. And as I work in the yard, get my hands dirty, I am moved by how my entire mood changes and my body connects. 

Garden 2021

 I've almost finished planting my garden for this year. I still have some cucumbers and tomatoes to plant - and a zucchini. I can't find a plant!! But I will. 

I've put in peas, beans, tomatoes, cucumbers, lots of greens, peppers and more. I've started an herb bed with culinary lavender on either side.

 And the raspberries are loaded!! Last fall I put in two blueberry bushes and they are going strong. 

The warm weather gave the radishes a push! I'm really looking forward to the harvest. 

Do you have a garden? What have you planted?

Covid

 Covid. One little word that has changed the course of the world the last year. We've been forced to stay away from friends and family and live in semi-isolation. It's been so hard on so many people. I consider myself one of the fortunate. 

I've used the time to work on my house. My husband and I have laughed together, watched movies, created gourmet meals and eaten them by candle light. 

And now we have the vaccine. For me, this represents light at the end of the tunnel. For many it seems to mean we're out of the woods. But we're not. There is still a lot of tree cover we have to move through.

National Zoo Lovers Day

 

Spring is in the Air

 Spring is truly in the air, but winter has not completely given in. We are working on renovating both the front yard and the backyard. We got a new roof in December and had the house painted this last week. It feels amazing in a season of rebirth, to be making things fresh and beautiful around me. 

Our backyard looked like this: 

Appreciate Yourself

 As I continue on the Simple Abundance Journey, I am learning to appreciate myself. I am discovering my authentic self and understanding what makes me who I am. 

Each of us come from different places. We've all had different life experiences and no one responds the same to any situation. As we travel through life, things happen. Things change us. Life is the journey. On the journey we all take that side track from time to time. Sometimes the side track turns out to be the perfect direction to go - and sometimes not. When it's the latter we can be left feeling shamed, inadequate, humiliated, confused and guilty. And we respond to these feelings in a myriad of ways.