One aspect of my mental health that I’ve worked on with my therapist over the years is “sphere of control.” Essentially, one needs to ask what is in their control and what is not in their control, and then live their life accordingly.
This concept is how I was able to still feel motivated to cross off one of my 25 in 25 goals last weekend despite the chaos and turmoil in the United states as of late, including higher education (you may recall I returned to college teaching this past year).
Because I’m already doing everything I can, which includes calling my senators and representatives multiple times per week (my latest phone call was about library and museum funding being cut), and donating money to people who are fighting the good fight, the only thing left for me is to continue living my life in the best way possible because now is not the time to give in to despair. So I will keep doing the things that bring me joy on a regular basis, and that includes 1) achieving goals (or working towards my goals); 2) going on adventures with Heath; and 3) adventures that are specifically road trips.
So last weekend, Heath and I drove approximately three hours northeast to visit Nebraska. Prior to last weekend, Nebraska was one of three states I had yet to visit and now that we live close enough for a weekend trip, it seemed like the right time to visit.
Originally, I thought we would drive to the state line, have a look around, go out for lunch, and then head back. But, an internet search of national parks in Nebraska showed that there was a National Monument called Scott’s Bluff close enough that it could be a part of our road trip.
We left after a rather leisurely Saturday morning and arrived in Scott’s Bluff with enough time to hike the Saddle Rock Trail before the park closed at sunset.
Because of everything that’s been going on in our lives, Heath and I were so tired by the time we got to the hotel that we fell asleep around 7:30 p.m. Consequently, we woke up really early. Heath, in fact, got up much earlier than I did and went to hang out in the hotel lounge area. When I woke up, it was still quite dark outside, but I checked the sunrise time on my weather app and sent Heath a quick text message asking if he would be up for taking a sunrise hike on one of the Scotts Bluff trails.
It was beautiful and brisk (maybe too brisk for Heath) and filled with bunnies! Seriously. These aren’t the best photos because of how the bunnies blend in, but I’m going to share them anyway.
Up until recently, Nebraska had a state slogan that was, “Nebraska, honestly it’s not for everyone!” This slogan sells Nebraska short, particularly for Scott’s Bluff, because Nebraska is definitely for bunnies and it’s definitely a place worth visiting.
We also found this little cafe called The Mixing Bowl that served up a breakfast so scrumptious (I got salmon eggs Benedict and a specialty drink called the Nebraska Sunrise that included OJ and pomegranate juice) that we returned for lunch before heading back to Colorado.
What was especially great about the cafe is we got to chat with the wait staff and the owner’s mom who shared with us that she and her husband weren’t sure that their daughter could make it as a chef/restauranteur because the business is so tough. The daughter, who had been trained at a culinary institute in Denver, didn’t let that stop her and her parents finally came around. Not only is the cafe doing well, but it’s thriving enough that they want to take over the building next door.
If you ever find yourself in Gering, NE, I highly recommend eating at The Mixing Bowl. You won’t regret it.
Our weekend away ended up being a wonderful time and I can’t wait for the next one. It probably won’t be until May because the week after next I’m heading to Norfolk for a few days to meet Annie Jr. and then Heath is off Valley Forge, PA, for Super Billiards Expo in April.
In case you need a reminder of who Annie is
There’s lots to look forward to and that’s what I need right now. It’s also one of the few things I can control.
Happy travels, everyone! Especially within your sphere of control.
Love this! And those bunnies-and the hiking trails. Never been to Nebraska. And maybe it’s not for everyone-but I would give it a try!
I think you would enjoy the hiking. And the bunnies.
This inspired me Kelly to control what little I can, which isn’t much right now! My goal is to be outside every day. Thank you!
I hope you’re getting outside more!
The bunnies alone would be worth it! I’m glad you took advantage of an amazing adventure within your control!
Bunnies make everything better!
Nice to see this post, Kelly and while the bunnies are difficult to see, the sunrise is lovely and I’m happy you had a good time. I’ve got the same idea about Wyoming, as a day trip and I’ve also never been to Utah but that will definitely be more than a day!
We had such a good time! Thank 🙂