Now that Spring has finally sprung it's time to get outside in nature, rediscover the benefits of outdoor exercise, disconnect from the world and enjoy some me time!

This reminds me of one of my favorite stories in our new book, Chicken Soup for the Soul: Making Me Time. In his story "No Service Means No Worries" Noam Paoletti talks about the time his dad took him camping and neglected to mention there would be no cell service where they were going. Noam would “be trapped” in the forest for four days without talking to his girlfriend, following his friends on social media, or being part of all the text conversations that teenagers feel are so important.

Of course, Noam discovered some advantages to his time in the wilderness. He started to notice the sights and sounds of nature, enjoying the peaceful world he and his dad were experiencing. He says, “Those four days passed in a flash. I hiked. I swam. I fished. I learned fishing is boring, even in my newly enlightened state. I spoke less than usual, and I listened more than I had before.” Fifteen years have passed since that trip and Noam says he carries that lesson to this day.