I woke up on this particular morning feeling small and unsure of a lot of things in life. I got ready for the trek ahead, and packed my bag with a small camp stove, a fishing pole, a pot for coffee, and a hammock.
The weekend was here, and I needed an escape to put everything into perspective. I drove to the reservation and left my car where it would remain for the next two days while I left the noise behind. I embarked on the trail only to leave it moments later for the undisturbed grounds that would take me where I needed to go.
The crisp air kept me awake as my mind continuously drifted back and forth from the monotony of life and the simplicity of nature only brought out of the trance by the occasional stick snapping loudly beneath my feet. Through all of this it was hard to consistently think about anything other than eventually having to return to the rat race after the weekend.
Eventually I found a spot on the edge of the water that I could set up camp for the night. I strapped my hammock to some trees, and started a fire. I was off to see if I could catch a fish to eat when I realized I wasn't thinking about work, or the repetitious nature of life. I was alone without even my usual thoughts encumber me.
As I looked out over the lake I couldn't help but feel small. But for a change, that felt ok. I think that's what I was sent here to experience. That sometimes it's ok to feel small. The story isn't meant to be about us continually, and sometimes we need humbling moments to keep things in perspective and to bring peace that we otherwise lose sight of.
The big pond is all about your perspective, and sometimes you just need to find a new one.