Part of my life I lived in a big city in Florida. I loved it. Everyone always had somewhere to be and there was always something to do. It was a nice get away from the “middle of nowhere” that I once lived in. I still visit that place in Florida every now and then but it’s not the same. There were many great and horrible memories made there. It’s bittersweet I guess.

I still enjoy parts of the city. I enjoy the vibe from those cool, jazzy restaurants that you always see in the movies. I like that half of the people there are so busy with their own life that the most attention you’ll get from a stranger is either a smile or a smug look. I don’t miss the anxiety of it. I don’t miss that only a night or two a week you can see the stars. I don’t miss the noise. Going back there isn’t much of a vacation considering there’s almost no down time. At least, that’s how I feel in a city like that. Believe it or not, there is a such thing as too much to do.

This year, our family vacation involved waterfalls, rivers, woods, and mountains. Helen is a small town in north Georgia but very popular. We always try to go during the off season to avoid the large crowds. Up until 2 years ago, my favorite place to be on earth was near the ocean. That was my escape. But, after seeing the beauty this place holds, I think it’s safe to say that it’s my favorite place to be. The nature speaks to you here if you have the will to listen to it. All the stress and anxiety of every day life vanishes within minutes. You don’t have to have your whole life figured out when you’re standing in the middle of this much beauty. If I could live anywhere, it would be some place like this.

The best part of being on a mountain is no cell phone service so there’s no distractions. Its just you, surrounded by nature at it’s finest.