Laura

Wandering

and Musings…

As most of you may remember, I spent some time earlier this month and the end of last month on a short (too short) getaway in the mountains.

My morning coffee photo from earlier this month

That feels like a zillion lifetimes ago.

As I look at these photos now, I think back to the few days I had of freedom and wandering. Still so many photos I haven’t shared (and plan to!) but it’s something that really makes us take pause…to think about all the things we haven’t been doing.

To see this beautiful view again would be like magic

I know I haven’t been taking care of myself the way I should’ve been. Of course, lots of that relates to a stressful job, working environment, and schedule. There are reasons. I know, I know, I can’t be too hard on myself. Or perhaps, I should be harder on myself. Who knows.

But it’s made me realize I need to prioritize my health, and my wellbeing.

Things I preach about all the time.

It starts with you.

You have to make it happen.

Whether that begins with your first cup of coffee in the morning (tea, or water, or whatever you prefer), you have to take control of your life and make it the best that you possibly can.

Sometimes paths are tricky to navigate

So what does that mean for me?

More time away.

More movement of my body.

Less engagement with toxic environments and individuals.

Healthier eating, listening to my body.

Prioritizing mental health and wellness.

All changes I’ve started to implement.

Even so, and with it all sounding pretty positive, it’s thrown me into a bit of a depression. I haven’t been as “in-tune” as I would like to be, lately.

I also have a schedule that’s completely not conducive to good self-care.

Most of you know I’m not exactly happy with my job and have been on a hunt for a bit. Still fingers crossed that something will come forth that is worthy. 🤞

Some days I just want to sleep, and some days maybe that’s what I really need.

Hopefully there’s a light, there’s always a light – sooner than later 🙏

But I don’t want to go through my life just barely being OK with how I feel, how I look, with things cropping up that could’ve been avoided. I hate the feeling of being held back, of stagnancy.

“Things could be different, if…”

So some serious transitions need to take place.

As I’m finishing my night shifts for this week, I’m a bit reflective. I’m hoping that it can bring forth some positive discussion, or even just be a reminder for us all to take care of ourselves.

We all need that. Self-care isn’t selfish.

Happy Humpday! 🐪

Ⓒ Laura Bennett • 2021-2025 – all words and images, unless otherwise stated 

119 comments

  2. good morning Laura, as you are finishing your shift – many of us are beginning our days. i, too, have found it very tough to implement thorough self care into my life – our professional identities warrant alot of energy and effort. in the end, there’s alot to be said about deciding what standard of life you’d choose to be happy with. id say if you can get those views in the pics every morning but not have to engage as much with the toxic stuff, you’d be pretty well off.

    thanks for the life reminder and the beautiful pics – they are inspiring! Mike

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    • Thank you Mike 😊 had a good sleep. Got up and at least was able to do a bit of a workout. It is hard, isn’t it, to get out of that “professional identity” – and be who we really truly are. That’s why I always tell employers and coworkers it’s so important for me to be able to disconnect from work. No group chats etc, they can be so toxic, and it keeps you in that “work” mode. I’m not “nurse” 24/7, that’s spills over enough. 😆 and thank you – those pics every morning would certainly be the ideal. Appreciated, always 😊

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  3. I got accepted into an MBA program… and now I don’t really want to do it. I don’t feel like living in a sharehouse. I feel like embracing my bipolar yet still following the doctors orders. I will be 26 years clean and sober in a few months and I have so many cards. Every hand’s a winner and every hand’s a loser…
    Absolute total strategic authority on my own business yet I have maintained super health and strength on half minimum wage.
    When the levee breaks… wandering is good. We play the game, honour the game in the final quarter the game rewards us.
    Why sue doctors for implants when my broken mouth is part of my brand? It is for all to know 😺

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    • Congrats on 26 years clean and sober! That’s very admirable, and quite an accomplishment! Awesome you got into an MBA program as well. It sounds like you have a good idea of what you want to do, and that’s always the most important when taking a step in the right direction 😊

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    • I would absolutely love to, if that were at all possible, which at this very moment, it’s not. Maybe one day! But I love how you said they feel protective, that’s so true. It really is serene and such a different and majestic feeling. And thank you! 😊 Hope you’ve been well.

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  5. We often find it easier to care for others than for ourselves. Self-care can be challenging. I think self-neglect is the tendency for those of us that are care-giver types. Sometimes we just run out of steam with nothing left for ourselves. Those pics are gorgeous and the surroundings very therapeutic. Wishing you lots of mazel in finding a new job. Take great care of yourself—you deserve it! ❤️🌷

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    • Thank you so much, MM – what you say is so true 🙏 it’s often easier to immerse ourselves in other’s troubles and health issues and neglect our own. I’ve definitely always been this way. I’ve come to a point, though where I need to honor myself, and thank you for saying that ❤️ you deserve the absolutel best, too! 🤗 With all your wonderful messages. I appreciate you, always! 🥰

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      • I was out yesterday after my morning job. I walked through the nature reserve and then onto a park. I had sandwiches in my bag ready for when I spent time sitting in the park by the water. The sun was out and you still needed your coat. But my coat was open and I was wearingjust a t-shirt under my coat. My cardigan in my bag as Ididn’t need a layer at that point when leaving work.
        Observed someone else barefoot walking on the grass. 😊

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      • Oooh that sounds like a wonderful time! I’m glad you got a chance to experience it after work! 😊 Ahhh nice, walking barefoot on the grass feels so good sometimes. It sounds like it was the perfect weather and you were well prepared. I love that kind of weather, it sounds delightful.

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      • I am always prepared for the weather with me walking to and from work.
        When I choose the nature routes, it’s not out of my way. I am out there at least once a week. But on average it can be twice a week.
        But for the further afield stuff, like Sherwood Forest, or Newark, then that is a few times a year. A day out I like to have there in those places so there is no rush. I could do it in the week if I wanted. But it’s easier keeping it local and to save on time travelling.

        I have never done barefoot walking before and that was the first time seeing someone in the park do it. I have wanted to but I felt uneasy by it becaause of not wanting the risk of walking on glass. My right foot is numbish in places from a nerve removed and both feet can go further numb if a chill reaches my feet.
        That guy I watched now and again, did some walking barefoot up and down a particular stretch of the park before he put his shoes on and left.

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      • Oh yes, I was going to mention that as well – being careful about what’s in the grass – here it could be any type of bug or fire ants! Ahhh, glass sounds awful, yes you’d want to be careful for sure 🙏
        They sound like wonderful places and it’s so nice to be able to get out. Definitely too if you’re walking, that’s so good for your health too to be getting that fresh air and exercise in 😊

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      • The park is well looked after by the council and it has received awards each year for how it looks. But it’s best to be careful all the same.
        The park and nature reseve are lovely. The nature reserve is the first I walk through when maling my way there from work. Then once I leave the nature reserve, I cross the road and I am in the park. 😊

        But if I was walking the other direction from work, I have the res very nearby to walk around.

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  12. Your photos are stunning! 😍 It must be difficult juggling everything when you have such a demanding profession. And night shifts are brutal! I hope you find a position more suitable to your needs and wants and that you get more time to yourself. Wishing you all the best!

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    • Thank you so much, Debbie! 😊 I appreciate that! 🙏 Yes, it is hard, especially the nights but I have to make do somehow. I’ll get through it, I appreciate your kind words and wishes and I wish the same for you as well! 🥰 ✨

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  14. Lovely photos, Laura. I remember being in a work situation that I hated. Nothing can debilitate positive feelings and thoughts more than that condition. I hope you are able to find something that you can embrace. Then you can fully work on your other points of well being. In the meantime you have to do the best you can for yourself. and give yourself slack where ever possible.

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    • Thank you for the kind and wise words John 😊 I know I’m not alone in the struggle and that many people have been there and end up so much better off when they aren’t in a tough working station anymore. It sucks when work just doesn’t jive with us at all those important physical and mental levels. A real challenge! Appreciate your kind comment, means a lot! 😊

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    • Thank you so much, Maggie! 🤗
      Yes, it’s so hard when we’re just trying to make it through the day, and just keep our heads above water. We really do need that balance, I suppose. I appreciate you so much and I hope you are feeling well ❤️ 🥰

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    • It’s hard though when things like weather get in the way! Winter is definitely a less active time for many. When it gets too hot here it’s sometimes unbearable to even be outside! Ugh. But it’s something I gotta work on. Thank you Ernie 🙏 sciatic nerve pain is no fun 😩 I hope you get some relief from that.

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  18. Thank you Laura for your honest reflection on the power of self care and personal well being. I agree as the sage saying goes. (and I paraphras here loosely) ” when the body is well we can address many issues… when the body is not well…we have only one problem to address’
    Blessings to you. I hope your find bliss in your daily routines and well being in the day’s runes.

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    • Thank you Suzette! 😊 I appreciate you sharing that saying with me, it is so true. I’m thinking of it now as I’m awake at 0600 to go do a workout 🤣 but it really is so true! I appreciate your kindness always and a multitude of blessings and a bliss-filled day as well. 🙏 ✨

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    • Thank you so much, Thomas! 😊 I’m truly glad you like them. Oh yes, I appreciate that about the job. I’ve been searching. Hopefully the right thing will present itself soon enough.

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  20. out of sync is something I have been hearing from many in my circles these days at all levels, crazy as it may sound, its connected back to last years April 8 solar eclipse. Think in terms like we all have been out of sync since 911 and are now moving into an AGE where faux tinkering of clocks and cycles by evils ones is being restored to natural order and balance.

    We are all in some form of detox right now strong move past it, weak ones wont…

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    • Interesting! Thanks for sharing that tidbit. I know we are also in a mercury retrograde right now and that always throws things off balance for a bit. A detox sounds right about what’s needed. Good to know and thank you. 😊

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  21. Those images are so lovely and I think looking through them in this moment is a reminder form the universe that you need to prioritise yourself and take care of yourself daily. Even if it’s just small things like taking a relaxing bath.

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    • Thank you for that, Pooja! 😊 I agree, and I’ve told myself that this year I would prioritize that. Not work, not taking care of others – because if we don’t take of ourselves, all that other stuff doesn’t matter, you know? I appreciate your kind words as always 💕 and I know you’ve had your own struggles this year too, so hopefully 🤞 we’re getting past this point, stronger and better 😊

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  23. Rich and soothing photographs, Laura! It’s always a pleasure to see through your eyes, even when your energies are at a low, drained by the relentless grind. I’m sorry. It will lead to a better situation eventually, but that’s little comfort when it’s such a squeeze. 😦

    >>>But I don’t want to go through my life just barely being OK with how I feel, how I look, with things cropping up that could’ve been avoided. I hate the feeling of being held back, of stagnancy.<<<

    As much as I dislike saying it, being held back and stagnant is part of things, sometimes. I don't believe it will EVER EVER, in a million years, define your life, though. Your heart and visions are just too big. Yes, please do what's needed to rest and play and find your way. ❤ Thanks for sharing with and trusting us.

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    • Thank you so much for your comforting and wise thoughts as always ❤️ I know, we do have those moments of “held back” for a reason. I worked really hard after I had colitis in 2023 to NOT have that happen again, it scared me and it was a huge time of reflection for me to put things in perspective. Now, I know I’ve gotta move in directions that are gonna benefit me for other health reasons, not the opposite. I just always feel like wallowing never does any good 😆 but then some days, we need one of those to muster up the courage to do better ❤️ I’m glad you liked the photos, they definitely make me want to go back, or go somewhere similar. The daily grind really is an axe 🪓 sometimes 🤣 and I so appreciate you always! 😊

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      • My therapist might ask something like “Who taught you to see this as ‘wallowing’?” She’s always helping me see the ways I skew negative, rather than giving myself permission to to feel what I’m feeling. After I pushed back she might ask me something like “Is there a kind way we can see this?” 🙂

        I only want you to be as kind to yourself as you deserve. ❤

        I feel my most hopeless on my most physically exhausted days sometimes, will come home and wonder why I'm suddenly so sad and can't see out. It's the opposite of a 'good tired', like the one we get working out or working on a project we want to, really pouring out. Might want to get your vitamin levels checked, if working a lot, maybe not getting enough sunshine? Just throwing out ideas. Hope you know I'm in your corner!! ❤

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      • Oh absolutely ❤️ I appreciate the different perspectives, and it is so true. I know exactly what you mean about the “good tired” opposite, it’s just like a defeated feeling and I’ve gone to bed a few times in the past few weeks feeling that way. I like that your therapist helps to re-train in ways how you see things, we need people to push us in those directions. And also not make us feel bad when we’re down, as those are all parts of the human condition.

        I so do need to go see a doctor as well ❤️ thank you. It’s been on my mind even just to pay out of pocket for a test with labs and then interpret it myself to see what’s low. Been supplementing the best I can with Ds, B12, zinc, magnesium, etc. I’m hoping I can get on a track with that soon. I appreciate you! 🤗

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    • Thank you so much, sweet Siri ❤️ I’m glad you enjoyed the photographs and I hope one day you’ll come a-wandering with me too! 😊 Have a beautiful day, lovely ✨

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  27. You’re absolutely right—self-care isn’t selfish. Neglecting your own well-being can lead to burnout, resentment, or emotional exhaustion, making it harder to truly support others. And if you don’t catch it early enough, it can be tough to bounce back. By the way, nice photos. 😎

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    • Thank you John – I appreciate your thoughts on this. It’s never easy, and the burnout and resentment are too real! It is hard to support others when we’re spread so thin. Thank you for the kind words about the photos, I appreciate that 😊 I hope all is well your way!

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      • You’re welcome, Laura. Keep taking care of yourself. Things are good on my end—hope they stay that way for you too. Wishing you peace, strength, and a great day! 😎

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  29. It all comes down to choice.
    Am I going to continue on this path and not truly listen to myself? Or am I going to stop, actually listen, take care of myself and start kicking some serious ass?
    I, too, struggle with this. It’s easy to want to lay back and default to doing zip. The path of least resistance and all that.
    But, that path is truly the most treacherous one of all – it leads to nothing good. It just leads to more of the same old crap, and worse. Each of us needs to decide for ourselves once and for all that we’re worthy and deserving of the best, and then go seize the brass ring.
    You are a Queen and you are worthy. I know that, and I know you do too. Go claim your kingdom, my Queen. These struggles are mere stones in the road that need but to be kicked aside. It’s only hard if we believe it to be so. 💓💓💓
    Hail 😘😘😘

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    • This is such a beautiful, and most needed, comment Kevin ❤️ thank you for being here for me in this time, I know the last few months have been a bit up and down, especially with job stuff. I’m not the type to stay down or in a bad situation and you know that 🙏 I thank you immensely for your love and your support daily, it means the world to me ❤️ I can’t express my gratitude enough, and sometimes there are no words!
      And I thank you for saying I’m a Queen. 🥰 I feel that energy. ✨ Let us claim the kingdom together, my King 👑 (except I know you want all the time/space realms for yourself!) 🤣 🤪
      Appreciate you always, love 😘 😘
      ❤️ ❤️ ❤️

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      • Most welcome, m’lady. I know it’s been a very difficult spell trying to find the right thing and it can be frustrating at times. I wish I could say more than “hang in there” to help you feel better.
        When the time is right the perfect thing will come along, I am sure of that. 💓💓💓
        I would like some realms all to myself, but I can be persuaded to compromise 😉😘😘
        It’ll get better. I promise you that 💓💓💓

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  30. Thank you for sharing your breathtaking photos with us, dear Laura. Getaways are wonderful and the rejuvenation they offer can be easily consumed by the demands of life. Photos are a beautiful reminder, lifting us up during those difficult days. Rest well and know that you are greatly appreciated and loved. 💝

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    • Thank you so much, Michele! ✨💗 I appreciate that loving and healing vibe more than anything 😊 I’m so glad you liked the photos and your wonderful and positive thoughts are just what I need to uplift my spirit 🙏 thank you for being here in this moment with me ✨ it means a lot

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  31. These pictures are so gorgeous and looks like exactly where you need to be more Laura… more time for reflection, more time to chill, not selfish for sure… smart. Keep visualizing your next position and sending you some good vibes for them to present themselves. Honest awareness and sharing make a difference. Thanks for your vulnerability! 💗

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    • Thank you so much, Cindy. 💗 I know you are someone who has so much going on in your life, and it must be chaotic at times to even take a breath. We have to keep ourselves in that positive mindset as best we can. Life is gonna throw all kinds of obstacles in our way. 🙏 I appreciate what you said about the visualization, I need to do more of that. 😊 Appreciate your kindness, always! ✨

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  32. I have faith that you’ll gonna be find much better work soon, Laura, that’s healthier for you. Stay healthy. Sleep as much as you can. Love, hugs, and light to you, Laura. Btw, I love all the photos, especially the sunset with bare trees.

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    • Thank you so much, sweet Hazel 😊 Your kindness and your light shines through your beautiful words. Your positivity is so much of what is needed in this world 🙏 I’m glad you enjoyed the photos, and I hope you stay healthy and blessed too, you absolutely deserve it ✨

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      • Thank you so much, Laura. We all deserve good things in life. Stay blessed, too. And I do my best to share positivity, as always.

        Have a lovely day as you are, Laura.

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  36. night shifts last week, and one to begin this week, have left me in a proper funk. But I know it’s the exhaustion. Making changes can be tough, and the delays add to the frustration and the inevitable guilt of being a serial procrastinator. I have been trying to commit to being kind to myself every day. Making these pacts with myself, to allow segments of the day to be for something out of the ordinary, has been helping. It’s not a goal; it’s just a time frame where I do something different… and leave the mundane alone. Hope you get some rest today, Laura.

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    • Thank you, Nigel! 😊 I did manage to get some rest which I am most thankful for 🙏 I appreciate what you said about being kind to yourself. We have to, or else we’ll go nuts, especially on those night shifts! It is never easy. I feel you on being a serial procrastinator lol 😂 I’m currently doing that now, but trying to be better at it. Waiting never seems to end up making the problem just go away like I would like it to 🤣

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  37. Ah, the “I need a vacation from my vacation” dilemma.
    Self-care sounds great until life hits with a “LOL, nope.”

    Less stress, better health, fewer toxic people? Perfect plan. Now, if only responsibilities would take the hint and leave too.
    Fingers crossed for that worthy job—may it appear faster than a work email on your day off! 😆

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    • So true, thank you Chris 😊 it really is so important – without us taking care of ourselves, nothing else really matters. I appreciate your kind words 🙏 and I hope you have a wonderful day too ✨🫶

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  40. Self care is never selfish. We only get one body, one mind – if we don’t look after our own, who will? You are right to take time to reflect and if things don’t feel right, to make adjustments. The only thing I would say is to try not to change too much all at once. Little changes here and there often make a huge difference rather than one huge change to one thing.

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    • Oh, you’re so right about that Sharon – I’ve had that happen too. Try to make a big change and then just fail at it. I’m doing pretty good with the working out and bike riding, moving my body, so that at least is helping. 💗 You’re so right, we have to look after ourselves, otherwise “everything else” is a moot point. Appreciate you! 😊

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  43. Well said! I love Nature! I live in PA and sometimes we visit the Pocono mountains and there is a cool haunted candle shop there that made it on to a TV show. Just look up Pocono Pa haunted candle shop. I love the mountains, there’s a lot of great places in PA for nature walks. I’m also a fisherman, haven’t gone in awhile, but when I’m out there it’s like everything else fades away, and it’s just me and God. I feel so at peace.

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    • That sounds awesome! Oh man, I would love to see this haunted candle shop, that sounds pretty intriguing. Fishing is so nice too. It’s been many many years since I’ve gone as well but those moments of nature are the best peace and solitude ever. Thank you for sharing! 😊 I hope you get some time to go fishing 🎣 at some point soon!

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      • Thank you and yes you should look up the candle shop, it has a neat story. When I went in I didn’t think it would be anything supernatural. I’m not kidding I seriously felt like someone was following me but no one was there. You can tour the real haunted spots inside during Halloween for a few bucks. I didnt even go in those spots, and I felt stuff. It was closed when I went. I plan to see it again when the full tour is open. I talked to the one lady who got interviewed on the show it was featured, I think it was called haunted. You’ll have to search for it. Me and her bonded easily. I told her of my experience and she basically said all the time for her it’s that way but she got used to it. I saw the episode years back.

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      • Interesting! Thanks for sharing. I love going on paranormal and ghost tours. I’ve been on one in New Orleans and another in Victoria, BC. They are always great fun! I love historical places too for that same reason, lots of energy. Very cool!

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      • Sorry for all the comments lol Also wanted to recommend PA to visit, a lot of good stuff to do here, Hershey park, dorney park, crystal cave, tickets glen a park with a bunch of waterfalls, ohiopyle PA for white water rafting, fishing, camping, a natural rock water slide, there’s so many things here if you love the outdoor. Mount Pocono, fishing, great air bnbs, some places you stay deer are in the wild and come up to you, winter is beautiful there, it even has chalets, many places to ski. We have part of the Appalachian trail. Train Rides too, you can have a train tour and have meals. This stuff is just in my general area. So many mountains and natural wonders, museums, a lot to do!

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  44. Ooh, careful with that sun in your camera! I know exactly what you mean. The first step is the one you’ve already taken. A realization for the need of change. But these negative experiences have an upside. Things to write about. Take care and I hope to see more nature pics!

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    • Thank you! Yes definitely more nature pics. And you’re so right about those experiences offering material to write. It does help to write them out, sometimes, anyways lol 😆

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  45. That last photo says it all Laura. You know there is light, even though we wander in the darkness, the light surrounds the darkness.
    I hope your job hunting goes well and you get what you’re looking for and that suits you best. Sending you loads of good wishes 🤗🤗🧡🧡

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    • It’s so true. It’s very hard, and this profession has left me more burnt out than ever. It’s very frustrating to find that balance. I’ve definitely thought of leaving altogether or just doing something else for work and working per diem once in a while.

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