When I was a young child, I spent considerable time staring at a picture that my mom had hanging on the wall.

The path winding through the tall, sturdy trees that were draped in sunlight beckoned me to walk among them. I eagerly accepted the invitation and entered the scene as often as I could. I always started at the front of the image and drifted far back into the woods. Unusual fearlessness embodied me when I stepped into that picture and I found the courage to explore. Along the way, interesting adventures unfolded around me. Rain never fell, winds were never more than a soft breeze, and the temperature was always perfect in that setting. Birds sang happily and the comforting aroma of the trees wrapped around me. My pleasant journey through the picture always ended with me feeling grateful.

I felt a sense of ownership of the picture because I believed that the incredible beauty of the scene existed just for me. It brought me peace that I only experienced when my mind wandered through that setting. And I often wondered where this beautiful place was, and if I would ever be lucky enough to someday enter it in real life.

The picture on my parents’ wall is long gone, but as an adult I have rediscovered the scene and entered it many times – in real life. I go hiking as often as I can on paths that wind through woods.  As a resident of Minnesota, I feel blessed by the many state parks and trails that surround me – and help perpetuate the illusion that this profoundly beautiful world exists solely for my peaceful pleasure.

I wish everyone could experience walking in a perfect picture.

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© 2016 by Julie Ryan. All rights reserved
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