There’s a river just south of our apartment – follow it east.
When the option becomes available, turn south to walk above the train tracks, which takes you into the forest.
I love this forest, and it is my place to go to breathe the air. It is my place to go to feel myself differently, and when I need to get away.

I was sitting on a bench in my favourite clearing with eyes closed, a result of not having slept well the night before. I heard the runner before he appeared (sound travels in forests), and opened my eyes right before he called out that I shouldn’t startle. I wished him well on his run and he paused several meters in front of me. He looked back over his shoulder to ask if I wasn’t cold. I was wearing a thick sweater under my coat, I assured him. “You have that youthful fire,” he stated matter-of-factly. He was an older gentleman and we had addressed each other with the formal “you”, so I knew to feel flattered, and I did. I laughed, we said goodbye, and he went on his way.

When the runner was out of earshot, I got up to continue my walk home, suddenly rejuvenated. I’d been in a funk all day as a result of the broken sleep, and I felt myself refreshed.

Sometimes, all you need is a walk in the forest, friendly strangers, and a new pair of eyes.