Everyone needs to find their spot

Everyone needs to find their spot. 

Remember when you were a kid sitting on the carpet in kindergarten, everyone had their spot. All the spots on the carpet were the same, but you knew exactly which one was yours. Kids would fight over their spot. Your spot on the carpet is where you listened to story time, ate a snack, took naps, laughed and played with your friends. Your spot was friendly, comfortable and safe. Even as adults we need to have our own spot and visit it as often as we can. 

My spot is not an exact location or activity. My spot is simply the word I use to describe when I just enjoy the moment and all the stress and worry disappear.  I know I’m at my spot when I don’t think about what to do or where I need to be next.  I’ve never found my spot in front of the television, shopping, or going to the movies. My spot is usually outdoors, backyard or backcountry, doesn’t matter. Just like a warm bowl of soup on a cold day, my spot just feels right. 

Most people find their spot, and it is unique to them. A friend of mine waxed a relative’s car when that cool front hit in September. On his day off he spent hours waxing and detailing a car that did not belong to him. That was his spot. His mind could wonder, he enjoyed the cool fresh air, and it relieved him from the stress of teaching 100+ students. He was outside enjoying the peace. I would never consider waxing a car to be fun, but it’s his spot, not mine. 

Some people find their spot alone, some with friends and family. For some the spot is playing a sport like golf or others find it in attending a sporting event. My sister and I found a spot together at a hockey game. It was our first time at a hockey game and nothing but the action in front of us was on our minds. The first time our team checked a man into the wall, we found ourselves standing on our feet pumping our fists in the air. It was a very primal spot, but it was a spot none the less. 

Finding your spot can be harder than you think. Getting into the outdoors removes a lot of the influences that ruin a spot. Jobs, phones, to do lists, and the like can ruin even the most perfect spot. I have found my spot on the top of a mountain and also in my backyard. A good chair or hammock goes a long way to making a spot great. Good companions and food can also “make” the spot. Sitting in front of a fireplace with friends eating toasted cheese sandwiches and tomato soup after being out in cold weather is a guaranteed spot maker. 

I keep mentioning cool weather. I think I have a heat related sickness. I found myself one afternoon sitting in front of the refrigerator, door open, looking over pictures from last winter wearing winter gloves. The heat of this summer has kept me from finding my spot for a while now. I have talked with many who also are spot deprived because of the heat and drought. Some of my family (Mom and Sis) even went so far as to drive to Maine to find weather suitable for a spot. According to them the coast line above Acadia is littered with spots. 

I encourage everyone to go outside and find yourself a spot. Go to Landsford Canal State Park and set your chair along the river bank. Go to Chester State Park and paddle around the lake until you find your spot. Stop by the Welcome Center and grab a hand full of brochures on places you’ve never been before. As the weather cools, I will be in search of my spot, a spot like the one on the carpet.