My Happy Place

“Learn to relax. Your body is precious, as it houses your mind and spirit. Inner peace begins with a relaxed body.” -Norman Vincent Peale


       I've heard people say that Disney is the "happiest place on earth".  For some, especially children and those young at heart, this is probably true. I have a difficult time believing I would find much happiness there. The thought of crowds, long lines, hot sun, children crying, and walking for miles sounds absolutely exhausting.
      I would like to tell you about my happy place. It is not fancy, just the opposite, it is simple. It is not flashy, it is peaceful. It is not expensive, actually it is quite affordable. It is CHAIN O LAKES CAMPGROUND, in Bellaire Mi., just a little bit away from Torch Lake.  Upon first glance it seems like an ordinary place, and to many it may be. To me it is so much more. The first time I was there, 4 summers ago, I knew it was a kindred place for me. Much of this is due to the love and care the owners put into it. They are special people, and it is reflected in their little slice of land up north. My family, especially my husband, do not understand the connection or love I feel for the place. When I am there I am at peace. My mind feels clearer and I am able to relax, as I can nowhere else. It is the one place that I am able to turn off my inner voice and just enjoy life, no matter what I am going through back in the real world.  It is very hard to explain. I believe it is a blessed place.
      I know I have had moments of happiness over the past year or two amongst my depression, but my happy memories from the campground and torch lake are vivid and calming. I am able to draw upon them in my weakest, scariest, saddest moments. For example, I  have had so many medical procedures in the past few years, and some have been difficult. Once, I had to have an MRI in the midst of a 6 week migraine. If you've ever had an MRI you know that the machine is very loud, and the test is very long and you have to lie perfectly still.  I was in such pain already and the noise was like a pic ax in my head. Tears were streaming down my face. I closed my eyes and was actually able to picture myself at the campground, near the campfire, my grandchildren laughing, my boys joking and hanging out. It got me through that horrible test. Also, during the biopsy of my thyroid, probably the most difficult medical procedure I have ever been through, I was able to stave off fear and panic by going to my happy place, Chain o Lakes Campground. The thought of being there in July (this was Feb) was calming and comforting. I could name so many more, but you get the idea.
      In my therapy for my depression and anxiety I have to meditate and breathe and positive "self-talk" every day. During my meditation I either send myself to the campground, or to torch lake, sitting on the tiny beach, feeling the breeze, watching the waves, feeling at peace. This has been crucial to my healing. It is amazing to me how people or even a place can affect your life. My family doesn't understand it's importance to me. Last year there were some issues while we were there and everyone wanted to leave early. They didn't know why it was so important to me that we stay. It is the only days out of the whole year I am able to let go and soul search and find my peace. I am hoping to do a lot of healing there this year. A lot of the details of the trip are still up in the air due to the turmoil going on in our lives, but i know things will be great when we get there.
     I would like thank Deb and her family for making it so amazing for people like me, and i would like to thank Deb for her friendship. Keep up the great work. I hope your campground is as special to others as it is to me.
     I encourage everyone to find your happy place, real or imaginary. It will get you through some of your toughest times. I am blessed that my happy place is real, and I am able to close my eyes and take myself there and know that someday, somehow i am going to be just fine!