By Nick Kacher
People get tired. People get worn out. People feel drained. People get stuck. People need a break. People need to recharge. This is nothing to feel shame about. This is nothing to hide. This does not speak to a lack of strength or fortitude. This does not mean you cannot hack it. It simply means that sometimes you need to find a way to recharge your batteries and refresh your mind, soul, and body. This allows you to reenter the arena, whether it be at the office or at home, and be your best self. Your friends, family and clients all deserve your best, not a fatigued and weary shell of yourself.
While there are dozens of ways to be revitalized, there is one that consistently works for me. Ironically, the thing that helps restore my energy most first takes me to the brink of exhaustion. The northeastern shores of Lake Michigan are home to the Sleeping Bear Dunes. In 2011, Michigan’s little secret won the title of “Good Morning America’s Most Beautiful Place in America” contest. When you climb to the top of these dunes (which is no easy task) you will find yourself overlooking the turquoise water of northern Lake Michigan, with the Manitou Islands in the distance and luscious maple forests behind you. My routine is always the same when I get to the top, I collapse in exhaustion from climbing up a sand dune for the better part of 30 minutes, frantically search for water, and then slowly start to catch my breath. After a few minutes, my breathing slows, my vision comes back into focus and I begin to take in the surrounding beauty. As I sit there overlooking the lake a refreshing energy washes over me.
I am sure there are biological, spiritual or metaphysical explanations for the reviving power of nature or a majestic landscape. For myself, I think I understand why this magnificent scene found at the top of this dune continually reenergizes me, but the logic seems counterintuitive. It makes me feel small. My problems, worries, and struggles lessen. But please do not misconstrue my implication. It does not make me feel insignificant. It does not make my problems, worries, and struggles feel meaningless. It does not diminish me in any way, but rather the opposite. The sense of awe I experience makes me feel connected to others. I am part of something bigger. It reminds me that some things are out of my control and allows me to release some unnecessary stress. This in turn helps me gain some perspective, reprioritize things and pushes me forward with a renewed vigor. I encourage you to find a place in nature that can help you the next time you feel drained and depleted…just don’t come to my sand dune!