My Take Tuesday: Reflection

The wind howled, a lonesome lullaby cutting through the silence as I turned up my coat collar. The rugged countryside stretched endlessly before me—towering stone cliffs, sagebrush, and scattered cedar trees standing against the vast emptiness. The trail I followed was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s, winding in tight switchbacks toward the south end of Trail Mountain.

At the summit, I paused. Below me, Joe’s Valley Reservoir lay perfectly still, its glass-like surface reflecting the towering mountains above. It was as if the landscape itself was looking back at me.

This place is woven into my memories—hiking these trails as a child, fishing in the lake below, gathering for family reunions with loved ones who are no longer here. This is home. More than just a place, Emery County is where my soul finds rest. It is my constant, my refuge, a space to reflect and recharge.

Reflection, at its core, is the art of pausing—of stepping back to examine our thoughts, beliefs, and experiences. But true reflection goes deeper. It is not just recalling the past; it is a conscious effort to untangle its lessons, to gain clarity, and to grow. In the stillness, our minds sift through the noise, make sense of our journey, and shape the road ahead.

But reflection should not be mistaken for self-criticism. It is not about dwelling on mistakes or trapping ourselves in regret. Instead, it calls for honesty—firm yet forgiving. We must acknowledge where we’ve been without letting it define where we’re going. Self-forgiveness frees us from old patterns, allowing us to move forward with purpose.

Taking time to reflect will recharge you. It will sharpen your focus. It will deepen your gratitude and remind you of the meaning woven into everyday life.

Try it. You won’t regret it.

And if you need a place, I know just the spot—a quiet stretch along the CCC trail, high above the world’s most beautiful reservoir, just west of Castle Dale, Utah.

And that is My Take!

N. Isaac Bott, DVM