It’s been a minute since I’ve really stepped off the hamster wheel and appreciated Central Oregon. It doesn’t hurt that the weather and fall colors have conjured up nothing short of “magical”, but wow, life here is still really good. With time and head-space to reconnect I’ve been doing just that…in the last couple weeks I’ve danced my ASS off, attended a new language group, enjoyed a hysterical play with a wonderful friend, paddled, hiked, biked and laughed. LAUGHED. The ease and lightness is a breath of fresh air that I didn’t know Bend still had in it. Giving myself time to appreciate it–real time… is key.
Seems in today’s world we value being “busy” and trying to achieve it all. I know I’ve written about this in the past but it’s top-of-mind awareness right now. Sometimes you can’t do it all. Or shouldn’t try anyway, at the detriment of your health and emotional well-being (not to mention enjoyment of your day-to-day life).
I’ve always been a wanderluster (is that a word?). Seeking change, visiting new horizons and creating unique experiences…meeting new people and laughing along the way. And then it seemed I let myself get overbooked. What the airlines tell us…and many therapists and authors of self-development books…and now me…is that you have to put your own oxygen mask on first. It’s only by taking care of yourself that you have the ability to help others.
So as you begin this amazingly gorgeous day, maybe consider what you can prioritize and what you might shed to bring simplicity to your world. What great cause have you been putting off until you “have more time”? Self-education or community involvement? Everyone has their own motivation and goals, and that can take some self-directed time and attention to figure out what they are for you. Not what your parents or partners, friends or social media is telling you, but YOUR goals and interests. Take that time today, and don’t forget to have fun and a giggle along the way.
Thanks for listening and hell ya, I’ll see you out there on the Frisky Ripples!
Frisky Ripples 