The morning sun rose gently over the hills, stroking the earth with a golden warmth that felt like quite blessing. Ada stood at the edge of the narrow footpath leading into the forest behind her grandmother's old house. She had returned to the village seeking rest, peace, and perhaps a little healing from the chaos of the city. What she didn't expect was how deeply the land would speak to her.
The path smelled of damp earth and wild leaves. Birds chorused above her, each note weaving into the next like threads in a tapestry. It felt as if nature itself welcomed her home. As she walked deeper, she noticed how every living thing no matter how small seemed to carry it's own purpose. Ants marched in neat lines. Butterflies danced in carefree motion. Even the trees swayed as though whispering stories ancient as time.
Ada stopped by a clear stream, kneeling beside the water. It flowed steadily, unbothered by the stones in its path. She dipped her fingers into it and felt it's coolness glide across her skin. For a moment, she envied the stream. How simple life would be if she could keep moving forward, no matter the obstacles, without losing herself.
Her grandmother's words echoed in her memory: "life is nature, Ada. If you learn to listen, it will teach you everything."
Just then, a soft rustling made her look up. A small deer stood across the water, brown-eyed, delicate, and unafraid. It watched her with a stillness that felt almost spiritual. Ada didn't move. She simply breathed, letting the quiet moment settle around her like a warm shawl. The deer bowed it's head slightly before drifting back into the trees, its hooves making barely a sound.
Ada exhaled, realizing her heart felt lighter than it had in months.
As she continued her walk, she came upon a giant iroko tree her grandmother's favourite. The bark was rough, the roots enormous and tangled like the legs of an old giant. She touched the trunk, feeling it's strength. Trees didn't rush. They didn't force growth. They simply stood, growing at their own pace, rising taller with each passing season.
Life, Ada thought, ought to be loved the same way.
She sat beneath the iroko tree and closed her eyes. The wind brushed her cheeks gently, carrying the scent of flowers and distant rain. The forest animals continued their symphony chirping, rustling, singing none trying to outdo the other, yet all contributing to something while and beautiful. It reminded her that life didn't have to be a constant struggle to stay ahead. Harmony could be found in simply being present.
When she finally rose to head back home, the world felt different calmer, brighter, kinder. But she knew it was she who had changed. Nature has given her its quiet wisdom: to move like the stream, to stand like the tree, to breathe like the wind, and to live gently, just like every creature that called this forest home.
As she stepped out of the woods, Ada smiled. For the first time in a long while, she felt alive.
Picture is ChatGPT generated
Thank you guys for reading to the end
