Change of Scenery

I don’t know about you, but I often find myself in a rut. A rut that just makes me feel like not doing anything, not leaving the house, and just wanting to hang low at home. I’m not referring to depression (that’s a whole other topic). I admit that once in a while, that something inside of us is telling us we need to slow down and our bodies may be begging for that kind of rest – both physically and mentally. But that is not always the best remedy to pull us out of that dark pit.

Sometimes locking ourselves away from the rest of the world is not what we need. What we may really need is to connect with others. You may have to put your big girl panties on and just do it! Just make the effort to pull yourself out of that uncomfortable and dark place. Call up a good friend you haven’t talked to in a while and make some plans. Maybe it’s a just a coffee or dinner date. Or maybe it’s a much-needed girl’s weekend. Some of you are saying – YES I need one of those. The rest of you are saying…”What’s a girl’s weekend? You must be joking. I have kids, a husband, and have no money to be spending on frivolous things!” If that is you…stop right there and erase those thoughts out of your mind. YOU DO DESERVE a break.

A getaway doesn’t have to cost much. Sometimes it is as simple as girlfriends sharing the cost of one hotel room or borrowing a friend’s vacation home for a day or two. We all need to be refreshed and renewed and let’s be honest – that may require a break for the demands of home: from your husband, kids, housework, job, and so on. And I realize there are times when you cannot get out of town and no matter what you try to finagle – it is not going to happen. Those are the times you steal a few hours for yourself. Head to a local park, mall, coffee shop, or wherever you can to sit for a few hours. Maybe read a book, journal what’s going on in your life, or just “be” alone with your thoughts and dreams. As a woman and a mom, we have put a lot of pressure on ourselves to exceed in everything and “needing a break” looks selfish. But let me tell you something…. it is not selfish – it is essential in order for you to be that good mom/wife/employee!

I am currently up at a cabin in the mountains enjoying some time with some dear friends. My view consists of high mountains, trees with leaves wrestling in the breeze, and the sound of birds chirping. Yes, pretty close to what I image heaven is like.

A change of scenery, like the one I am experiencing this weekend, is so great to gain a new healthy perspective about what is important and beautiful in this world.

At home I too often watch the news and see all the tragedy and pain in our world, which adds to that “rut” I let myself fall into. But here…I am able to sit quietly and look at the beauty that surrounds me and reflect on how precious life really is. The love in my heart for my husband and family actually multiplies up here as I feel and experience the gratitude I am able to realize when I’m not focused on the daily grind at home.

My hope and prayer for you is that you find a way to honor yourself and allow yourself to be refreshed emotionally, physically, and spiritually. You deserve it. You need it. And….You will enjoy it!

#rut #self #selfcare #refresh #rejuvenate #solitude