"Solitude is a needful to the imagination as society is wholesome for the character." - James Russell Lowell

I'm going to have to retaliate to the ladder part of Lowell's words and use the words of John Milton, "Solitude sometimes is the best society." I honestly think that society is at times detrimental to the character, especially in today's age. However, it is that solitude in our personal lives that can lift us above and beyond our everyday problems and the camped box that society tries to place us in. I try to take as much time as I possibly can to just sit and think about my life; past, present and future. Where have I been that has gotten me to the place I am today? Where will the place I am today lead me to in my future? I sometimes sit at Memorial Park at my favorite bench right in the middle of the park and just stare into the skies and think. I watch the people bicycling and running around the park, the kids playing, the families grilling food and it all uplifts my senses. It is there that I begin to appreciate the simple things in life and thank the Creator for all things.

Sometimes I let the things in my everyday life swallow me whole. I get lost in other people's problems as well as my own problems. I get so caught up that I forget to recognize my possible blessings in life. When I take those mental vacations, it is there that I become more clear, wise and mature in my thinking. Such deliberate, intense and uninterrupted thought brought clarity to the perception I held of myself and my life.

It's funny how people pick up on positive vibes. I go on my mental vacations; returning rejuvenated with my maturity level at an all time high and I subconsciously give people around me permission to do the same. They recognize the changes within me. All of my days are not peaceful nonetheless, but the more older I become the less and less I worry about those irrelevant things. I've mastered the task of letting go. Something so simple, but yet so difficult. Thank you Lord for giving me the power and determination to do so. I let Him do his job with no complaints. He's better at it anyway, loll.

Solitude at times has to be forced when the road gets rough, and that is okay. Do not fight it; sit down and think. Let your mind kick into overdrive and become trapped into the realms you've never explored before. It'll be well worth it, trust me.

I may have to take a trip back to the park this month. Maybe a couple of times, to just sit at my favorite bench and let the rejuvenation begin.