Trading My Desk for a Park Bench

I moved to Pinellas County in December of 2023 from Central Florida. Like anyone in a new place, I wanted to explore.

At first, I thought the beaches would become my favorite places. And while I know we have some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, I eventually realized they weren't where I felt most at home.

Last year, my sister and I spent a lot of time exploring parks all over Pinellas County together. It became one of our favorite things to do. We quickly realized we were looking for different things.

She loved the wooded trails, the rocks, and the quiet paths through the trees.

I was always drawn to the water's edge.

If there was a boardwalk winding through a marsh or a pond full of wading birds, that's where you'd find me.

Creeks.

Ponds.

Marshes.

Boardwalks.

That's where I felt at home.

As we explored more of Pinellas County, I found myself returning to the same parks again and again. Kapok Park quickly became my favorite. I love the long boardwalk that winds through the marsh, and every visit seems to bring something different. Some days it's a limpkin or an alligator. Other days it's turtles, dragonflies, or just the peaceful feeling of being surrounded by nature.

Eagle Lake Park also became one of my regular stops, especially when I needed a quick escape during my lunch hour. It's close enough to work that I can trade my desk for a park bench, even if it's only for a little while.

Trading my desk for a park bench has become one of my favorite parts of the day.

Sometimes I bring my camera. Other days I simply walk.

Another place I find myself visiting often is the Coachman parks. There's a fallen tree out in the water where turtles gather to sun themselves. I've counted as many as fourteen turtles lined up on that one log, all facing the same direction with their heads stretched toward the sky.

I really get that.

Looking up and feeling the warmth of the sun on my face is one of my favorite things. Maybe that's why I smile every time I see them. It feels like we both came there for the same reason.

Those lunch breaks have become more than just a chance to take pictures.

For an hour, the emails stop. The phone isn't ringing. The to-do list can wait.

Instead, I get birds calling from somewhere in the trees, turtles basking on old logs, dragonflies darting across the water, and the breeze moving through the cattails.

Then it's back to work.

But somehow I always return feeling a little lighter than when I left.

I came to Pinellas County thinking the beaches would become my favorite places.

Instead, I found myself falling in love with quiet marshes, shady boardwalks, little ponds, and peaceful parks.

Honestly, I never saw that coming.

I don't think you need an entire weekend to reconnect with nature. Sometimes all it takes is a park bench, a short boardwalk, and a lunch hour.

Those little moments have become some of my favorite memories.

Tomorrow, I'll probably be back to see how many turtles are on that log.

Find something beautiful in the world today.

— Sandra