Sadie Says Stop & Smell the Roses

The week after spring break is upon us, and the existential dread that accompanies this week seems to be a downright plague currently. Not even the warm weather can circumvent the angst that is circling through the air, as everyone wishes they were back on their tropical vacations, at their childhood home, or simply off campus.

It was easy enough to slip into the regular old routine, going through the motions, waking myself up for 6:30AM lift, and mindlessly attending the same classes as we have been back on campus.

All the while, my brain is still stuck in Arizona, where I enjoyed my spring break alongside my best friend Fields, taking in the sights and sounds of the “Land of Cacti” (a name ordained by yours truly) in the 70-degree weather in tank tops and shorts.

It’s crazy to me that people can grow up in these areas and are none the wiser of the beauty that surrounds them on the daily. Spending my childhood in the Chicago suburbs spoiled me to the proximity of the city, the endless supply of activities to do, and the quaint downtown areas that are straight out of a Hallmark movie.

This is all I’ve ever known, however, and it can get monotonous in the face of states like California, Hawaii, or Arizona. And the second I stepped off that plane in Tucson, AZ, my jaw was on the floor.

The number of cacti, palm trees, and mountains that I squealed over might be mildly embarrassing, sure, but I wouldn’t trade my childlike wonder for the world. Fields, understandingly, laughed at my continual displays of enthusiasm, wondering why I was reacting so greatly to this typical environment for her.

Just one of the many beautiful AZ sights!

I’m here to tell you today, my dutiful Sadie Says readers, to simply stop and smell the roses sometimes.

Being in an entirely new, foreign environment to me, and having the opportunity to take it all in was a joyful experience.

Throughout my time in Arizona, we hiked in Sabino Canyon, played LOTS of pickleball, and even visited a cactus farm (my personal favorite attraction). But what I appreciated even more somedays was the casual walks around Fields’ neighborhood, or driving through the natural wildlife, admiring the scenery.

Sadie in her element at the cacti farm

These seemingly mundane activities gave me a far deeper appreciation for where my best friend grew up (and how people live like this!). It allowed me to take a step back and also reflect on my childhood.

I may not have been surrounded by mountains or awe-inspiring sunsets nightly, but I shared a home with my favorite people in the whole entire world.

I lived within close proximity of my best friends, my extended family, and of numerous opportunities – a privileged school district, a bustling church community, and a talented soccer club pushing me to get better.

I grew up in a homey Chicago suburb with a historic downtown, filled with cute shops, delicious eateries, and a great array of hangout spots.

Lots of laughs throughout my childhood!

Being in Arizona allowed me to understand the beauty of what’s around me, but also that everyone’s differing experiences are beautiful in their own right.

It’s not to say that I wouldn’t absolutely love to live in a place where cacti are abounding – send me a plane ticket and I’m there.

However, I do think that living apart from that environment lets me appreciate it even more, and to find more joy in the little things every day.

So, next time you’re in the “Land of Cacti”, fill your camera roll with cacti, palm trees, and more. Let it serve as a reminder of the good times that you had and that are to come, but remember to bloom just where you are planted too!