To Remain Whole

Earlier this summer I was reading a book about Theodore Roosevelt called The Naturalist, which is an account of our 26^th president love of the outdoors, and I was struck by this line: “Roosevelt had grown accustomed to regular outings in the country to heal himself when he'd suffered from severe asthma, and even as his ailments diminished, he still found that he needed outdoor escapes and the challenge of physical exertion to remain whole.”

It was the only quote I wrote down in the entire book, partially because it was more of a biography, but also because I connected to it. I have never shot down a predator or skinned animals to preserve their skeletons in a museum, but I do share Roosevelt’s love for the outdoors as a healing process. There is something wonderful about fresh air, quiet woods, and time viewing nature.

It's also a reminder to all of us that we should find what it takes to “remain whole.” Despite our many similarities, we all differ in the way we are wired. We have different purposes, interests, and loves. The part that matters is not the difference; it’s whether or not we are doing it.

What makes you feel whole, and are you doing it? Life is never perfect, but if we retreat and find time for what we need every once and a while, it might just do the trick.