Simpler Times

I remember as a kid riding my new bike through the neighborhood. My hair was blowing in the breeze. My thoughts were on the beauty of the day and my mind was free of worry. I remember being in the present moment loving my freedom and enjoying the smells and sounds around me. 

I would go down Burnett Street and down to the lake. There I would sit and watch the “diamonds” on the water and listen to the waves lapping up on the concrete breakfront. I was amazed at the beauty all around me and the peace in my heart and my day. 

As I reflect on these moments in time I realize a number of things that contributed to my happiness. I had a family I loved and they had my back. There was no social media to get in the way and bully or torment anyone. These were simpler times. No cell phones, no Survivor, no Naked and Afraid and we were on our own to use our creative minds to fill our time. 

In our neighborhood, we knew everyone including the adults. The women in the neighborhood were all my surrogate moms. I would call them “Ma Buschke or Ma Krueger and they would welcome me into their homes at any time. The back door was always open and my visits would often include an offer of lemonade and chocolate chip cookies. 

I also remember waking up in my room on a summer’s day. Even before I opened my eyes, I could hear the birds singing to the new day and as I slowly opened my eyes, I could see the sun streaming through my bedroom windows. There was a feeling of peace and a mind filled with joy and happiness. My life was simple back then. This was before the pressures of wanting to achieve in school and the competition of wanting everyone to be my friend. 

I found joy in packing for my week in Black Earth at Grandma Meister’s house. I loved this time. I would go for walks and talk with the many people I met. They all knew Grandma and were curious about me. Sometimes I gave too much information and Grandma learned about it in the Black Earth Newspaper. I felt special to be in the paper. I think Grandma was a bit annoyed. She wasn’t annoyed at me but at the nosy people seeking out our family news. 

Freedom, love, trust, and simplicity were the mantras of the day back then. I always felt safe. People kept their word and a handshake had meaning. I’m grateful to have these memories and I’m thankful that I lived through these times. 

Life became complicated as I grew older. We lost cherished loved ones, made some bad choices, and dealt with consequences that could only be owned by those involved. If I close my eyes, I can still feel the breeze in my hair and the feeling of awakening to the birds’ songs. I remember these as gentler times and I feel glad to have these memories to help me through each day.

Click here to check out other Sidetracked opinions

Click here to listen to the Overcoming Writer’s Block podcast

Want to create your own legacy? Join the Sidetracked Sisters and start now!

Ever thought about working with a Life Coach? Are you creative or a writer who is frustrated with your inability to do the work you so desperately feel called to do? Check out Lisa Hoffman Coaching.

#sidetrackedsisters #sidetrackedjudy #sidetrackedlegacies #legacywriting #legacystories #writeyourownlegacy #LisaHoffmanCoaching #simplertimes #happymemories #peacefulmind