Imagination

By Sunny Oberto

The Ventura Botanical Garden Trail has become one of my favorite places to start my day.  I’ve been running the hills behind City Hall since way before the trail was created.  I loved watching it come to life.  I knew instantly that this place was about to become accessible to so many new people, young and old.  What a great gift to the residents of Ventura.  The most spectacular viewing location of our entire city, from the mountains to the sea.  A view of the coastline and the Channel Islands.  You can hear the train traveling through.  And the best part is you get to see the trail change throughout the seasons.  There is a lower trail, an upper trail and another climb that will take you up and over the hills to the backside  of the mountain. If you choose to climb higher, you can hit the upper portion of the trail.  This takes you to a set of stairs that will lead you to a bench that overlooks the Coastline, the Ventura Ave & the Mountains of Ojai.  Sit down and let your imagination wander.  It’s a great place to reflect. If you choose to hike to the upper parking lot you have access to another climb.  You will need to exert a bit more energy.  It takes you high up in the hills of Ventura. I choose to run the trail.  It’s my morning motivation.  When I get to a certain location, I like to take a moment to kick back and catch my breath. There is a tree that is special to me on the way up.  It’s where I come to remove the distractions and still my mind. A while back there was a swing that hung from this tree.  I was so excited the first time I hiked up the hill and discovered it.  Of course, I hopped right on it and started pumping my legs to get a good ride in.  The view is breathtaking and the wind on your face is refreshing.  I started to let my mind wander and my imagination run wild.  I felt inspired, creative and energized for the day ahead of me.  When I got off the swing I turned it over.  The seat was made out of a simple piece of wood.  To my surprise, I notice that someone had used a marker and wrote the word “Imagination” on the bottom.  This resonated through my soul.  Our imagination is one of our greatest gifts to ourselves. Let’s start this year off with focus & determination!  Use your imagination! I hope you all have made your New Year’s Resolutions.  I hope you are excited about the changes you want to make, the goals you want to achieved, the friends & family you choose to surround yourself with.  Remember to live in the moment, always strive to be a better version of yourself, be thankful & grateful, follow your dreams, live with passion & love to the fullest. Create a healthy lifestyle that suites you!  Your imagination can create anything!  And most important, get you butt to the trail and enjoy the views!!   Welcome to 2015!!  Happy New Year!!