This month felt… sick. 🤢
With the constantly changing weather, it felt like April Fool’s Day over and over again. Sunshine one moment, heavy rain the next. It wasn’t the easiest month, but it reminded me how much the little moments outdoors can lift our spirits.
Real Life & Rhythm
We fell out of our everyday rhythm this month.
Our living space suddenly became much smaller after mould was discovered in the house we rent. We had to rearrange rooms, adapt our daily routines, and live in a space that no longer felt quite like home. Unsurprisingly, our sleep suffered, and that affected everyone’s mood.
Getting outside became our reset button.
Escaping into nature wasn’t always easy, though. Heavy rainfall and storms dominated much of May, making many of our usual adventures impossible. Instead of planning big outings, we learned to appreciate every window of sunshine.
May also brought two family birthday celebrations within just two weeks, giving us plenty of reasons to gather, slow down, and celebrate despite the challenges.
Outdoor Adventures & Highlights
Whenever the skies cleared, we packed our backpacks and headed to our favourite playgrounds, riverbanks, and lakesides.
Going out with the kids on my own meant we naturally slowed our pace. Instead of rushing from one attraction to the next, we noticed the tiny details—the sound of rushing water, the smell of wet forests after the rain, birds singing between the trees, and the excitement of little discoveries along the trail.
Although the rivers of Ticino were still too cold for swimming, we spent a wonderful afternoon exploring the riverbank at Pozzo di Golino. Throwing stones, balancing on rocks, and simply being close to the water was enough adventure for everyone.
Parco San Grato
Mother’s Day took us to one of the most beautiful botanical gardens in Ticino: Parco San Grato.
From the large car park, the path leads through a wide entrance where the children immediately disappeared into the bush labyrinth. They laughed as they ran through the twisty paths, proudly finding their way back out again.
Further along, several signposted trails branch off through the botanical garden, making it easy to choose a route that suits different ages and energy levels.
We followed the main path uphill, passing the visitor facilities before reaching the restaurant about 15 minutes later. Although it was closed during our visit, the area around it became the highlight of the day.
Behind the restaurant begins one of the best barefoot trails we’ve visited.
A large wooden platform welcomes visitors with benches and shoe holders before the circular sensory path begins. Walking barefoot across different natural surfaces was just as much fun for the adults as it was for the children. At the end of the trail, a fountain lets you wash your feet before putting your shoes back on—a simple but thoughtful detail.
Across from the barefoot trail, a spacious meadow offers plenty of room for a picnic while children enjoy the nearby playground. It turned out to be the perfect place to spend a relaxed Mother’s Day together.
Favourite Moments This Month
- Watching the kids run through the labyrinth at Parco San Grato.
- Finding small breaks in the weather and making the most of every sunny hour.
- Quiet mornings outdoors before the day became busy.
- Family birthday celebrations that reminded us joy doesn’t need perfect circumstances.
- Discovering that even a simple walk beside a river can feel like a real adventure.
Lessons & “Note to Self” ✍️
This month reminded me that rest isn’t something to earn—it’s something we need.
When life at home feels unsettled, nature has a way of grounding us again. We didn’t need spectacular adventures or long road trips. Sometimes an hour outside was enough to reset everyone’s mood.
I also want to remember that children rarely care whether the day goes exactly as planned. Give them a puddle, a few rocks, and some space to explore, and they’ll create their own adventure.
What gets measured, gets done!
- 🌦️ Countless weather changes!
- 🌿 109 hours spent outdoors (just one hour less than April)
- 🚲 4 family cycle rides
- 🌅 2 morning walks
- 🧘 2 yoga sessions
- 🎂 2 family birthdays celebrated
Looking Ahead 🌱
I’m hoping June brings longer stretches of sunshine, warmer rivers, and a return to our family’s everyday rhythm.
More than anything, I want to keep choosing nature whenever life feels overwhelming. It doesn’t solve every problem, but it always helps us breathe a little easier.
Here’s to more outdoor adventures, more ordinary moments worth remembering, and hopefully a little less rain.
I hope you got your problem fixed….