I've been MIA for almost a week for a very good reason... I was in Florida with two of my oldest and dearest friends. Just us three in a hotel on the beach. No kids, no husbands, no computers. It. Was. Awesome!
We got connections that hooked us up with an unbelievable rate at a super nice resort. We had a fantastic room with a sliding glass door that lead out to a little patio. It overlooked the pool, palm trees, sand and ocean. We would wake up, open the curtains and door, watch the waves and listen to the surf. It was amazing.
Unfortunately, it was a bit cold (even in the 50s one day) and very windy while we were there. But just because we didn't lay out on the beach did not mean we didn't have a great time and enjoyed every second of it.
For me, going to Florida in the winter is good for my mental health because there is stronger sunlight down there in the winter than in the DC area. Also, the warmth helps me feel like spring is not too far away.
But even more than those things, there is something about the beach and ocean that center me, any time of year. When I get to an ocean, I just look out at the horizon, take deep breaths, listen to the surf and feel at peace. I've realized that I need to make a trip to the ocean at least once a year or I feel off all year long.
In addition to the centering I felt from being at the ocean, I also was able to recharge my batteries (as one of my friends put it) and reconnect with my two friends at a deeper level than we have for years. Since we weren't chasing after kids, making sure our husbands were having a good time, worrying about our house being messy, and all that other stuff, we were able to relax and enjoy each others company. And I don't think we stopped for more than 5 minutes while we were together! We caught up on everything.
So today's question of the week is:
What helps you to recharge or center yourself?
Do you have a place or a hobby or an activity that does this for you? Does being with friends and without the normal, every day hassles recharge you? Do you need breaks or do anything to center yourself?
4 comments:
recharge/centering time?
Yeah, I don't have that. Not really.
My long commute is really the only time I truly have to myself and quiet time otherwise usually is walking the dogs.
Hubby says my accupuncture should count, but I equate that to getting allergy shots (same reason, same effect). Not really "soothing".
Hmmm- I guess my monthly book club serves this purpose for me.
I also always find yoga to be very recharging, when I make it to class.
I also really enjoy time near the ocean, but I think that to be recharging or centering, it has to be time when I'm not also watching Pumpkin. Even though I live a few minutes drive from the beach, if I'm at the beach, I'm usually with Pumpkin, so not really relaxing! I'm not complaining, though- standing and pushing a toddler in a swing for 30 minutes is a lot less annoying when you have an ocean view! (A couple of the playgrounds we go to occasionally are right on the bay. Our neighborhood playground does not have view. It is a bit of a treat for everyone when we go to one of the "special" playgrounds.)
Used to be quiet reading time, but since that's pretty much only when nursing to sleep these days, not so much anymore.
Knit night is about as close as it gets anymore. It'd probably work better if I didn't have to juggle Herself at the same time still, but you do what you can with what you get.
Yoga, on the nights I can get there in time. And lately reading before bedtime since computer time is now limited in the evenings (this comment is breaking the rule though!).
Dancing out at a club and sleeping on the beach (without child) would be nice but haven't yet found the opportunity this year.
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