Quiet water on Keech Pond during one of our first kayak outings of the season here in Rhode Island.
Walk in My Woods is my ongoing series about life on our Rhode Island property, the changing seasons, wildlife, and the quiet moments that shape how I see the world.
Over the years, I’ve realized how important it is to recharge.
For most of my working career, I operated almost nonstop. There was always another project to finish, another deadline approaching, or another loose end sitting in the back of my mind. Even now, I still catch myself carrying that pressure into weekends and feeling anxious about everything waiting for Monday morning.
Recently, we finally bought kayaks after years of talking about it and figuring out what felt like the right fit for us. I spent a long time figuring out exactly what I wanted instead of rushing into something cheaper that I’d eventually want to replace. After getting them out on Keech Pond recently, I realized the wait and investment were worth it.
I’ve always had a deep connection with water. Over the years, I’ve also come to appreciate how much I need nature and quiet around me. One of the things I’m most grateful for about where we live is being surrounded by the woods while also having water woven into the property and everyday life here.
As many of you know, we moved onto our wooded property almost two years ago. A lot of my recent time outside has been spent cleaning up storm damage from the tornado that came through days after moving into our new home, something I wrote about shortly after it happened. Clearing trees off trails and cleaning up parts of the woods has been slow work, but there’s also something rewarding and grounding about caring for the land a little at a time. Our dog, Genee, has been involved in the cleanup process as well, usually carrying branches around the property like she’s part of the crew.
Being out on the water reminded me of something I’ve been working on personally.
I’m trying to get better at releasing the anxiety of what’s waiting for me on Monday and trusting that being recharged and focused will help me meet those deadlines far better than mentally carrying the workload all weekend long.
And honestly, Monday usually turns out productive and completely fine.
As the weather finally warms up here in Rhode Island, I’m looking forward to spending more time outside again. More evenings by the firepit. More camping trips. Maybe even setting up a tent down by the creek for the first time since getting our Airstream.
One thing I’ve noticed lately is how much I enjoy listening to the woods themselves. The birds in the morning, the wind moving through the trees, and the critters moving across the forest floor at night as we enjoy the firepit. Most evenings, I’d rather listen to that than turn on speakers.
The work and deadlines will always be there. But I’m learning that slowing down occasionally and recharging is often what allows me to return more focused, creative, and productive the next day.
Originally shared in the May 19, 2026 Indermaur Media newsletter.
