Waterlogged

It looks perfectly harmless.

The largest section of the water park is filled with all kinds of fun attractions, like water slides of varying heights, hands on toys, jungle gym, and fountains in a backdrop that specializes in a wet, refreshing experience, featuring flowing water-filled walkways and fountains and waterfalls to assist in helping you stay cool and comfortable in the summer heat.

Not exactly the kind of atmosphere you would expect a challenge. ;)

So I don't think to cautiously approach the area that looks like it was created for the younger set, even as small as toddler, with low rise slides and shorter spouts.

Once I climb a few steps up into the second level, I'm not prepared for what awaits me. Red cones inconspicuously placed is several spots on this expansive water wonder fill up with water within 15 seconds or less and then unceremoniously dump on the nearest passerby, of course, from overhead, and sometimes with a little help from another bather. Totally unsuspecting--the first time.

After that experience, I walk more cautiously, my head and shoulders hunched with my hands near my face to protect myself from getting sprayed in the eye from nearby fountains.

Water falls and shoots from other areas periodically cover me and other bathers. Plus a huge bucket featuring a Hawaiian Face, which takes approximately 2 minutes to fill up, completely unloads its water haul on everyone below, some unsuspecting and completely surprised.

All are completely drenched before having the chance to take a whirl and a swirl on the lower, middle, or upper slides that are taken all the way down.

After taking a complete round several times with my daughter Hannah in tow, I choose to take a break and hang out with hubby who is relaxed and periodically dowses himself with a local waterfall to keep cool.

I go back with Hannah a bit later after I catch my breath from all the multi-level climbing and swishing through slides.

Next we take a stroll on the wet waterways and the dry sidewalks to check out other areas with steep water slides, a ride with two-holed tubes that take you up a wave and back, and one where you are literally a torpedo, being dropped vertical to make a huge splash at the bottom.

We eventually go back to that most happening dumping section. (Yes, I don't really learn my lesson the first time now, do I?) I return with Hannah several more times; but I find myself being sprayed in the face so much, I can't see. I quickly spot the first red cone that typically fills with water which is now on its side, with the spout of water which normally fills it up, spraying against the side full force and into our faces. I decide to turn around and head back down, my eyes burning from the chlorine, until Hannah hollers for me, and I make my way around to where she is and follow her down the water slide.

At this point, I find myself with a mild headache, having been dumped on the head with water so many times, I feel water logged. You would think I had gone under a heavy 5 foot wave from the ocean or something. I knew it was time to take a break and rest for the remainder of the day.

Do you have days when you feel weighted down, hunched over, by troublesome, unresolved issues that you didn't notice until they began to take their toll? Or are you dealing with hostility of the in-your-face variety, of which you've tried to blow off that still festers? Or maybe life has just gotten too complicated, and you feel like there are too many things coming at you, and you need to block them all out before they overwhelm you.

We can only tolerate situations that are uncomfortable or unpleasant for so long. At some point, we all need a place and time to take a breather.

To sit and relax, pull back, and give ourselves space to refresh and recoup.

Sometimes just talking with a friend or loved one, dumping in your journal, praying/meditating, or taking an old-fashioned nap can be just the jump start you need to gain a clearer perspective, to resolve conflict, or to just persevere in a tough situation.

Only you truly know your limits. Honor your instincts and listen to your gut when it says to STOP, take it easy, refresh yourself before you lose it or have nothing left to give.

Don't push yourself to the breaking point. Listen to your bodies signals and take care of yourself.

You're the only one you've got. Treat yourself with Tender Loving Care.

Then you'll be ready for whatever comes your way. From any direction.
Even if it looks perfectly harmless.

© 2010 by Dawn Herring