This morning started with an errand: returning overdue books to the Morton Arboretum library. I’d gotten an email reminder that the books were well past their due date. When I arrived at the entrance gate, I suddenly remembered that my membership had expired. So, I paid the entrance fee, hoping to get a refund after renewing my membership.
I asked about the library and was told it’s closed on weekends until spring. Slightly disappointed but undeterred, I left the books at the front desk and decided to renew my membership anyway. I always get the yearly membership for six—my family loves going and I take the childcare on field trips there. It’s nearby, and the children are always so engaged when we visit.
While renewing the membership, I noticed some workers at a display with animal furs. Like a kid in a candy shop, I couldn’t help but stop and investigate. My family always teases me that I’m the biggest kid they know—maybe that’s why I operate a childcare. I get to live out my childhood dreams every day.
animal fur on display
The furs of raccoon, deer, squirrel, opossum, skunk, bobcat, mink, and a few others I can’t quite recall were on display. The gentleman explained that they purchased these from an educational lab. What fascinated me most was learning that all the animals on display could be found right there on the arboretum’s property. Who knew? Even more surprising, they had a mink! I had no idea Minks lived in Illinois. Oh, the joy of investigating and being curious like a child.
After exploring that station, I treated myself to a cup of coffee and a muffin, then drove to my favorite spot in the woods. I’ve seen owls, countless birds, and deer in the thick of those woods.
Today, the woods were still. The snow blanketed the forest floor, the trees stood tall and bare, red-capped woodpeckers tapped away, and the distant hum of arriving vehicles occasionally broke the silence.
As I sipped my coffee, the crisp air filled my lungs, and for a moment, everything felt still—no noise, no rush, no obligations: just me, the trees, the birds, and the snow.
trees without leaves and snow blanketing the ground
I thought about how easy it is to get caught up in the chaos of everyday life. The overdue books, the to-do lists, the constant pull of running a daycare—there’s always something demanding attention. But here, surrounded by nature, it felt like the world had pressed pause.
I stayed for a while, being in the moment and quieting my thoughts. It reminded me that sometimes, it’s okay to slow down. The books could wait another day. My world didn’t fall apart because of a detour. In fact, it felt a little brighter.
Reflection
Sometimes, as a daycare provider, it feels like you’re always racing the clock, trying to meet everyone’s needs. But what if you gave yourself permission to pause, even for a moment? A walk in the woods, a warm coffee or tea, or even just sitting by the window watching the snow fall or the rain—those small acts of slowing down can recharge your spirit.
