In Pursuit Of Passions

As I have previously written, my belief is to get the most out of life and especially retirement, we should all pursue our passions. I have recently been blessed to have four of those passions collide in two hikes in the Saint Marks Wildlife Refuge. Friends, family, photography and the splendor of our natural world. On New Years Day, my wife and I set out on a foggy, overcast day. We were treated to wild otters, wild hogs, a vast number of alligators and quite possibly tens of thousands of birds. Today, I set out with a long time friend, mentor and former coworker Dave Ferrell. Although we began our hike in the early morning fog, it soon burned off and we were treated to brilliant sunshine and sun-splashed vistas of pristine marshland.

On both hikes (as is the case on most occasions when I hike) as soon as the sounds of the highway and people faded into the distance, I found myself at peace. My senses heighten, and I see and hear things that I might have ignored earlier. Walking quietly through the stunning landscape quiets the mind and feeds the soul.

After spending time with people I care about in a place of such stunning beauty and peace doing things I love to do, I find myself awash in gratitude. If you are still working as a first responder or in the military, take time to explore things that interest you. If you are retired…pursue your passions! Doing so will most certainly bring you great satisfaction, peace and a sense of gratitude.