Joy of the Day, Day 43: Fresh Air

The air in the Pacific Northwest is unlike any other in any of the places I’ve every lived or visited; here, nestled in a temperate rain forest surrounded on all sides by mountains and water, I breathe more deeply than anywhere else. It’s true, in this corner of the country we do endure long stretches of wet, dreary weather. Often it’s cloudy, misty or rainy for days or weeks in a row, even late into the Spring, when everyone else on the continent seems to have a head start on Summer.

But on this cool evening, walking among the infinite ferns, towering firs and velvety mosses, the weather is hidden from view and beside the point. The fresh air feels like a potent, refreshing drink, and my reward for breathing it deeply is the palpable restoration of my mind, body and soul.

Today, the fresh air is my joy.

#joyinplace