The Day I Almost Skipped

I’ll admit it—I wasn’t exactly excited about going to the Bristol Renaissance Faire. The crowds, the heat, the long drive… all reasons I could have easily talked myself into staying home. But plans had been made, and sometimes family time means showing up even when you’d rather not.

Once we got there though, something changed. The air was full of music and laughter, costumed performers weaving through the crowd, turkey legs in hand. I found myself smiling as my soon-to-be 20-year-old son and his girlfriend darted off to find their next snack and check out the sword shop, , while my 17-year-old daughter had her hair breaided and looked at hand made earrings. They observed and laughed at the street performers while walking toward their destinations. . It wasn’t about me—it was about watching them enjoy themselves.

Accidental Acrobats (@accidentalacrobats)

By the time we left, I noticed something I didn’t expect: my kids walked away with smiles that lingered, and with a kind of gratitude that felt bigger than the event itself. They thanked me—genuinely—for the day, and in that moment I realized what I would have missed if I’d stayed home.

What struck me afterward was how much days like this really do matter for our well-being. Being outdoors, laughing, walking, eating together (even if that requires bringing in my own food), and being surrounded by people we care about lowers stress hormones, boosts serotonin, and reminds us we’re connected to something bigger than ourselves. For me, the day was a reset—a break from routines, responsibilities, and the occasional break of screen time. For my kids, it was a memory that carried them into the week with lighter spirits and a positive start to the new school year.

The Bristol Renaissance Faire turned out to be more than just an outing. It was a reminder that making memories together—even when the day feels inconvenient—can improve mood, strengthen relationships, and support our health in ways no supplement or exercise plan can do on its own. Sometimes the best form of self-care isn’t what we do alone, but the moments we share with the people we love.

At Storm & Harmony Wellness, this is at the heart of what we teach—health is more than nutrition and movement. It’s connection, joy, and shared experiences that help us Rebalance • Restore • Resilience in every area of life.