Slow-dancing steam meets rising sun rays as I place my coffee cup down. Rue intently watches what I think is a robin, a warm orange-breasted bird, flutter from one bare branch on the pecan tree to another.

I’m not an early riser. I wake just in time to catch the last bit of the sun rising, make coffee, take a seat, and open my laptop to begin working. It’s well into the 9 o’clock hour when I take the dogs outside. They too are the kind to snooze their alarm.

On nice days, like today, I stay outside with Dill. Rue prefers her perch on the couch, resting her head on the arm that overlooks the window. Dill lays by my chair, shifting every few minutes, soaking up the sun. Watching the same birds bounce from the front yard pecan trees to the backyard pecans.

Songbirds, squirrels running through fallen leaves, the occasional truck driving far too fast over deep potholes, and of course, dogs barking at the mailman all become the soundtrack to the day.

I read an article (okay I first watched a TikTok about it) about a longstanding tradition of Scandinavian countries; Sweden, Norway, and Denmark having babies nap outside in their cribs or strollers, regardless of the season. Some of the benefits they list are strengthening your immune system, vitamin D boosts, and promoting emotional well-being.

I think time outside is important. I firmly believe if we all spent a little more time in the sun we wouldn’t need vitamin supplements and we’d all be a little happier. Listen to the birds chirp and sway of the trees in the wind, feel the heat on your legs until a cool breeze brings a chill. Rock on your porch, garden, go to the beach, feed cattle, ride horses; anything to drown out the fast-paced life many are living.

A little slower, a little sweeter, and a little sunnier are my intentions for life.