What's in Your Backyard?

oh, portland.  I complain about this place a fair amount - bad traffic made worse by poor streets and incorrect, unhelpful signs; booze-swilling, leggings-clad hipsters; my least favorite drivers on the face of the planet (#23 on this list. yes, i experience all of these situations on a regular basis); and simply the fact that I'm just not a city person.  Not even in easy-to-navigate, neighborhood-friendly Portland.  I have found that my attempt at being an urban-dweller has been disappointing and ill-suited to me; however, here i find myself with a great job and a decent, safe, and secure living situation.  And here I find myself asking the same question.  How do I get out of here as soon as possible?

Here also happens to be the place where I choose to be thankful for all of the beauty that exists in my very backyard.  I realize my potential perspective-shifting experience. I explore my favorite havens of this city and enjoy the golden light, created by the late-summer evening's sun, peek delicately around branches and massive trunks.  I sit, surrounded by wise, age-old giants.  I watch, breathe, be. My awareness of mindfulness has begun.

Perhaps I'll find a little space to be more tolerant in my time here.  If appreciation and living in the moment can make me not want to drive off a bridge just to avoid PDX drivers, it will truly be a miracle.

What's in your backyard? Mine happens to be a sanctuary. Here.