Ideas For Spring Break

There is so much to explore in your own country; in your own vicinity and, sometimes, exploring your own surroundings will give you not only a break from your routines but you will have learned something about "home."

On a personal note, I'm a Canadian and have traveled extensively through Canada and I've yet to see it all, though I will strive to see much more than I have. I've made the occasional forage into the United States and have had pleasant memories.

However, I still know more about Canada and, because I've taken the time to travel through all of the Canadian provinces numerous times - while driving - I feel even more pride in being a Canadian citizen. I feel honored to know so much about this rich and wonderful land - though there will always be more to learn and discover.

Note: This photo was taken at Waterton Lake National Park, Alberta, Canada. What a beautiful moment it was to watch this sunset. There was no one in the world except me - or so it felt - and it's a moment in time I still feel blessed to have witnessed.

If you enjoy spending time in the great outdoors, pack a lunch, a couple bottles of water, and a camera with an extra set of batteries. It also wouldn't hurt to take a small amount of cash with you, just in case you decide to be spontaneous.

It never hurts to carry a cell phone, but turn it off. Only use it in case of an emergency. This is your time to relax and you don't need to be interrupted by continual phone calls. That's part of normal life and you want to get away from that for a little while.

Being sure to tell someone you trust of your whereabouts and the time you expect to be back, set out to explore your favorite hiking trail around mid-morning.

Take photos of anything which captivates you. It may be a tree with bent and twisted branches or a squirrel holding an acorn. Perhaps you'll see an animal not common to the area, and one never knows what type of bird might fly overhead.

Perhaps the sun will position itself over a group of trees and make a fantastic shot. You may even wish to lie on the ground and take photos of the treetops and the clouds.

Find your favorite spot, close your eyes, and think of the happiest moments of your life. You'll notice your thoughts drifting from one place to another; from one person to another, and the stress you've been feeling will melt away. You'll feel rejuvenated and ready to conquer the world.

Sleep in a little but, by early afternoon, take your bicycle, skateboard, or roller blades and get some physical exercise. If you don't have either of the above, perhaps you may be able to borrow from someone or rent a bicycle for an afternoon, or visit a gym or swimming pool.

Equipped with a turned off cell phone, a small amount of cash, and a bottle of water, relax your mind and see where the road takes you.

You may meet some interesting people along the way or run into an old friend. You may see a museum and decide to go in for a peek. You may end up at the library engrossed in a novel, or may end up at a friend's house for dinner. The possibilities are endless!

Go to a homeless shelter and volunteer your services for a few hours.
Help a bag lady wheel her cart down the road.
Take a look at the down-trodden sitting beside buildings with hunger written on their faces.

You won't be able to forget the looks on peoples' faces - the hopelessness, helplessness, and the desperation to have a better life for themselves and their children.

You won't walk away from these people and be the same person you were when you first entered their presence; it isn't possible.