A Flower A Day Keeps the Doctor Away

 

Today, I woke up from a late afternoon nap around 5pm.  My stomach clenched – I’d slept too long and “wasted” my day.  Yet, bright sunshine poured in through the windows.  With the recent time change – there were still two hours of daylight!

Determined to make something of myself – I changed into my running gear, grabbed my camera and drove to the national mall.  Stepping out of my car, I was caught off guard when I noticed budding flowers on a few nearby trees. Was spring really here? I took off on a leisurely walk/run/photograph expedition – exploring a few new paths along the Potomac River.

The warm sunlight and numerous flowers quickly lightened my mood.  Some days, I struggle to find full wakefulness and overall happiness, but today – surrounded by the exuberant waking spirit of spring, I was hopeful and energized.

This reminded me that strength can be found in many places.  Sometimes, I get tunnel-vision, looking to orange pill bottles for relief from my narcolepsy symptoms.  Yet, I must try to remember that I am a complex unpredictable being.  I need sleep, medicine, yoga AND sunshine.

Here are a few photographs from my adventure.  I’m looking forward to Washington DC’s famous Cherry Blossom Festival coming soon!

 
 
 
 
 

2 Comments

  1. Nancy U on March 21, 2011 at 3:13 pm

    Julie, the next time you're just looking for energy from "orange pill bottles" go for a dose of daffodils too. Out here in southern California we're in the middle of 3 days of rain. Dreary? Yep. But the spring wildflowers have had steady rains this year and the orange California poppies are beginning to bloom. Best medicine ever.

  2. Johnny U. on March 22, 2011 at 5:31 pm

    Very beautiful pictures. I have a sleep disorder and feel like a machine sometimes. It is good to be reminded that we are all complex creatures. My sleep problems are complex and the treatment needs to take that into account. Thank you for the blog

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