A Tale of Two Moods

It was the best of times. It was the worst of times. Wait, sorry, that's the wrong story. But I did honestly feel divided. I love heading out on hikes in local parks and nature preserves. It always leaves me feeling uplifted and motivated. But there are days, like this one, when I do not feel particularly motivated. I just feel like I'm going through the motions. I was going out because I felt like I had to. I knew I would regret it if I did not get out and at least try. So I hit the trail with halfhearted intentions and a deflated spirit. 

At first, it seemed as if my melancholic mood would prove correct. The trailhead was under construction, and it was challenging to find the actual start of the trail. Once underway, the “trail” was a dirt road alongside a closed campground and some disheveled cabins. It hardly provoked a feeling of inspiration and nature in me. More proof that my little dark cloud of doubt would likely be true. Onward I shuffled, with little hope of a successful outing.

As I carried my self-doubt and camera gear around the corner, my storm cloud of uncertainty lifted and gave way to a beautiful cedar pine forest and a lovely flowing creek. Before me lay a woodland of hope and optimism. At the turn-off of the dirt road, it was here that I found my motivation. Giant cedar pines greeted me with open arms, and the stream seemed to dance and sing for my entertainment. I put down my self-doubt and left it behind as I ventured into the woods with a newfound spring in my step. 

The further I traveled, the more positive I became. Certainty and intention were my motivators now; I felt good. With wholehearted enthusiasm, I charged into a landscape of opportunity. Surrounded by these woods and listening to the stream was inspirational. Excitement overtook me as I looked for images to create. I was back in a happy place.

Just like that, all of my melancholy and negativity dissipated. The self-doubt and dark cloud over me cleared and gave way to confidence and certainty. In a single day, at a precise moment, I went from uncertainty and melancholy to excitement and enthusiasm. A far, far better way to end the day.