Archives for posts with tag: relax

  

 


I’ve said before, and I’m sure you’ve heard it many times that we all have the same 24 hours every day. From the overachievers to the underachievers, it all comes to down to what you do with YOUR 24 hours.

I’m fortunate enough to live in an area where there is always something going on or where there is always something to do. From community events, to sporting events, to weather that allows me to pursue my hobbies on any given day. Not to mention, I have great friends that are always up to doing things I enjoy.

I actually make lists of things going on when I see them and when the day comes, I have my choice of things to do depending on how I feel. (I’m not big on plans so this method works well for me). But honestly there is so much going on around me that there often isn’t enough time to do all the things that interest. It leads to me staying busy and having a blast most of the time. But it also leads to me having to say no to some invitations or choosing between one event or the other. (Rough life I know!) 

When I was younger this used to stress me out. I wanted to be part of everything and not miss anything. I think that’s pretty normal for people. But as I have become more comfortable with my own hobbies and interests, I simply do the things I choose. 

There are still only 24 hours in each day; I still don’t have time to do everything I want to do. But I don’t stress about it. I simply fill more of my days doing the exact things I choose to do.

Sometimes I choose to do absolutely nothing. I’ll stay at home, cook, have drinks, maybe commit to catching up on shows I have DVR’d, but that’s ok, because they are my hours to spend.

You have to live your life doing what makes you happy. Don’t chase someone else dreams, because you will miss out on your own. Their adventure means something completely different to them. You can bask in your happiness but you will still need to create your own.  Surround yourself with people that understand what your passions are and that allow you to enjoy them. 

Make sure you are alive and not just breathing.


Today is average day. I woke up knowing I had a training class at 9am. There are multiple times a year to go but I picked today.

I woke up, got ready, and hit the road just like any other day. Normally it’s about 35 minute drive to where I needed to but with traffic it’s about 45 minutes to an hour. Plenty of time…

But after I get on the road, it’s a gauntlet of accidents. Left lane blocked, right lane blocked, on and on and on. I can see everyone around me being frustrated in their cars. Vehicles jolting as they hit the brakes, a myriad of travel cups filled with coffee spilling all over the place. I started to see the traffic restrictions and realized it was going to take me well over an hour to make my destination. I started to stress. I hate being late. Then I zoned out or something because some kind of zen came over me.

I got in the slow lane and put my seat back. I decided why rush and still be late when I can just go another day and get more out of it? Then I remembered how hungry I was when I woke up. Next zen moment: I’m taking my lunch break early. A little pleasure of mine is breakfast with coffee in some small diner…

IMG_3852

Here I am. Enjoying this no name diner as I write. I’ll work through my would be lunch but I’ll already be full and much more relaxed. I’ll stay later if I need to so I can get done what I need to. And I’ll get to that class before the year is up – it’s only February !

Don’t mistake this day of detours as irresponsible. Sometimes there is no flexing and you have to stay rigid. But know when you can flex. Don’t be afraid to walk off your normal path. You’ll be ok. You might even be better !

Daily life happens to wind itself to a grind pretty quickly. Cubicles, computers, and deadlines seem to rule the day. We all strive for vacation but sometimes even that seems like a chore. Security lines, crowds, and agendas. Have you ever said “I need a vacation from my vacation?”

I recently got a last minute invite to see my mother and sister for Mother’s Day. But being last minute meant sky high airline prices. So I added a day on each end of the trip and decided to drive!

18 hours, 3 states, and memories for a lifetime. I was able to see the countryside from the road. I smelled the farms, and talked with the locals. It was on my time. I stopped when I wanted to and sped by when I didn’t.

Sometimes you need to throw caution to the wind. Wonder where the next gas stop is. Find a hotel when you get there. Eat what the local recommend.
That is living – that is vacation!

Now let’s see how surprised my mom is when I pull up and surprise her 🙂