Something that I love to do, and that I find really important in life, is taking a walk and being conscious of everything that I find beautiful and interesting. It's easiest to do this with a camera in hand because the goal is gorgeous photos - but the challenge lies in doing this with the intention of just noticing the beauty for the sake of gratitude. You would be truly amazed at what you discover around you. This is similar to the 5 Minute Photo Walk, but instead of photos, just mentally note what you see that catches your attention. We can always use more reasons to love the world; reminders of why we are here.

I walked around the edge of town, trying to veer down new streets that I hadn't yet traveled before. This town is so tiny that I was surprised to discover new things on this walk! This was my experience:

The eerie quiet, cool and windless day.
Subtle fog over the crisp golden, ready to harvest soy bean field.
Trees that gently curve over the road.

Asphalt road crackled like a mosaic.
Deep burgundy trees that look almost black.
Colors that look even more vibrant against the cool grey day.
Walking right on the cusp of a new season.

Overgrown gardens, started with good intentions.
The nostalgic crunch of gravel underfoot.
A two track road that leads mysteriously into an endless field.

Bushes and trees growing excessively close to the street, branches overflowing onto the curb.
Rows and rows of corn, growing right up to the roads where farm ends and neighborhood begins.

An inspiring color palette of powder blue, pumpkin orange, mint green, and coral pink, in the form of houses.
The most magical and odd looking tree with leaves the size of plates and shape of hearts.

It is inspiring and refreshing to take a walk and look for things that are beautiful in your environment. Some tips for a successful journey:
- Walk slowly
- Stop frequently to notice the details
- Take a few photos but don't let it be your focus
- Remember to breathe deeply and to smile
- Turn down a new street
- Sit on a bench and quietly observe
- Look down at the ground, up at the sky.
- Go alone