Living Waiting for Rain

"Imagine the rhythm of individual drops of water falling, combining to create a sound like no other. It's a sound that most people find soothing and comforting." (Krough. 2005) Water. One of the most underestimated compounds that have chemical properties unlike any other.
Surprisingly, today I read one of the assigned chapters for my biology class and was I actually enjoyed reading the content. If you didn't know already, I am a very big procrastinator and hate reading, so, it was shocking that I found interest in a scholarly subject instead of what the Spice Girls were up to. However, I have been fascinated with water for quite some time, but until recently I didn't realize the effect it had on my well being. Sure there are the things that everyone depends on this compound for such as hydration of the body, cleansing of the skin and of course cooling of in the scorching temperatures. However, I have found that water also has an affect on my soul and spirit.
Around the time of my birthday, I took a trip that I had ended up being rather frazzled from and got depressed from some of the events. I was feeling lonely even though I had the presence of people. I've found I often will get these feelings of hopelessness and loneliness, even when I am around gobs of people who care about me. In these times I tend to space myself emotionally and all I can think about is how I just want to get away and sit by the waters edge. I picture the water as it swirls up and licks my toes and recedes back into the giant blue-green body leaving me feeling calm and my mind at ease. I find that when I am sitting away from all the craziness of life and the only noises are the sounds of the wind blowing the trees the branches clacking together, the waves swirling in over the sand with an assortment of pebbles, and me breathing in the clean earthy smell of my surroundings nothing can get to me. I finally have time to think and not be distracted by the things that can bring me down.
This discovery of the healing powers of nature has helped me track down my reasoning for my random stints of depression. Maybe I am feeling overwhelmed and I am in need of something to center me. My brain may be telling me this through the mood switches. This may be the reason for why being so far away from home is so difficult. There I have access to nature and water everywhere I go. I really benefit from living in the land of 10,000 lakes but it just took me all of my life to realize it.
Two years ago I never would have thought I would be where I am in my life, all the lessons I have learned. I never would have met the people I would have. I now can finally appreciate the people I once said I hated because they have helped me change after they put me through horrible things. I am so thankful for Alverno accepting me since they have provided me with so many learning experiences in and out of the classroom. Who knows what the year will bring with everyday bringing new lessons to me. I always laughed at all of Alverno's cheesy billboards posted all over Milwaukee but now I understand them. Lessons are not always learned in a classroom, as a student you have to be able to realize that you have to teach yourself in order to truly learn.