Walking along the banks of the mighty Mississippi River is my quiet time. It’s peaceful, introspective. That’s where I go for fresh perspectives and new ideas.
I put on my sneakers and sunscreen, then head out the door. In just three minutes, I’m ambling along the river pathway.
Sometimes I plop down on a bench to reflect. Other times, I cross the bridges; things always look different on the other side.
Best of all, the river graciously shares its advice with me. Here’s what I’ve learned:
Life Lessons from a River
When you’re in the flow, stay in the flow.
Going upstream will be much more challenging.
Prepare yourself for the occasional falls.
Enjoy the rapids; they’re often short-lived.
When encountering obstacles, just go around them.
Take time for reflection; it gives you valuable insights.
Meander occasionally to expose yourself to different ideas.
Acknowledge those who’ve helped you become mighty.
Take care of me; our lives are intertwined.
Most of all, enjoy the journey.
CUTE PIC & INTERESTING FACTS
The Mississippi River starts as a tiny, shallow stream that flows out of Lake Itasca in northern Minnesota. Here’s a photo of my grandma walking me across it when I was two years old.
From there, the mighty Mississippi flows 2350 miles through the center of the US. Over 250 tributaries & 7000+ small rivers and streams feed into it.
There’s only one natural waterfall on the entire Mississippi River. And I can see it from my living room window in Minneapolis. Lucky me!
