Making Time For the River

By Michael Baird

I am probably the last person you would expect to write this article, I know, I can hardly believe I am writing this, however I did find a little time recently to spend a day on the river.

I know it is tough sometimes to feel like you have any time to take for yourself. Maybe you work 60+ hours a week or perhaps you’re busy running the kids to all of their events, not to mention making sure they have something to eat and clean clothes to wear. Perhaps you are like me—you work a full time job and your time outside of work is spent helping, leading or volunteering with several organizations. Perhaps all the above! You have your reasons ~ you do not have the luxury to spend a little time on the river ~ too many people counting on you…..Right?

Let “Dr. Michael” now explain why putting off this kind of getaway can actually make things worse. See, I was pretty stressed out—I hadn’t been getting much exercise (WAY too HOT in July) I was working on gaining some large clients at work, and let’s just say I was really pressed for time. So on the second Thursday evening of the month I dutifully headed to the Nature Center to lead the….cough, cough-clearing of throat….OMP meeting. The meeting was a lot of fun as we took the presentation outside (Herman was presenting “Leave NO Trace”) and had a few laughs along the way. After the meeting Denise said, “Hey Michael, you want to come float with us tomorrow?” I almost declined the offer… remember…you’re too busy. But instead I thought to myself…you really need this.

The following day we floated from Shelvin Rock to Hooten Town. It was a gorgeous day, the water was cool, the trees were beautiful, and I was with good river companions. The float was close by so I could still sleep in a little and even treated myself to a nice breakfast before I left the house that morning. On the river, I saw several Blue Herons and lots of chicks (baby herons, that is!) turtles, and spent some time collecting little shells in the cool clear water for a necklace I intended to make. We had a few ripples that were fun to paddle through and for the most part took our time going downstream. The best part of all this was I started to relax. I could feel the stress glide away and became at peace within. Just what “Doctor Denise” had ordered.
The following week, I did land the large clients I spoke of earlier. Would I have landed those accounts without making some time for myself? ….I am not sure, but what I am sure of, my stress had been starting to show. I was much more relaxed the following week and thus it all worked out.

This would not be a President’s Corner without an” I do not recommend” section, so here goes: I do not recommend stress! It is bad for your health, body, mind and soul….It is just bad, man!

I will be hosting the next OMP monthly float on September the 10th and 11th. Now is your chance to make a little time for the river.