Camping

Anticipation of traveling to a campsite
The excitement is unparallel
Car packed full of camping stuff, firewood, and family
Finally checking in and finding our empty lean-to
Feeling giddy about unpacking the tent
The place my sister and I will live for a week with our dog
Helping our parents unpack their things into the lean-to
Swinging the axe to chop up kindling (or as Vermonters say ‘kinlin’)
Starting the first fire and cooking our first meal over the flames
I smile at all the memories that accompany a campfire
Hiking and fishing and swimming and exploring
Nothing comes close to that level of happiness
My anxiety, worrying, and overthinking go away
I smile more and enjoys spending time with my family
Life doesn’t get any better than that