Wednesday, December 27, 2006

*Inhale, Exhale*

I am back in California. I had a wonderful week with eSuitor, visiting my family for Christmas in Texas. On our last night, eSuitor and I had a date at a lovely restaurant, where we feasted on ribs, steak and bananas foster. Mmmm. It was one of those nice, long meals where you sit and talk for hours, not rushing away from the table.

We had a good conversation in which we discussed the events of the week. One of the things that struck me was how great it was to step out of my busy LA life and SLOW DOWN! I got to catch my breath and mosey a little, free from the demands of life in this crazy city. We talked about the importance of practicing "the discipline of slowing" upon our return to So Cal. Already, I can feel what a challenge it will be.

I would love some input. How do you create margin in your busy schedules? How do you practice the discipline of slowing?

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Good question. I admit I love big cities exactly because of that. I am an extremely fast-paced person, and people who are not drive me insane. I do EVERYTHING fast!!

Autumn's Mom said...

I'm just lazy by nature. I don't do anything I don't feel like doing (unless the kitchen is GROSS). For every hour of cleaning or running errands, there must be at least two or three more hours of couch time :D

ML said...

Being at home keeps me centered. Eventhough I'm fairly busy at home, I still do things differently and the things I enjoy doing.

The world outside is a big stress bomb!

Beenzzz said...

Sometimes things can get really hectic. I think when I take time for myself, like a massage, or movie day, I can really let myself unwind. It's good to have "me" time.

J said...

I'm with ally, and the rest..the answer is to do less, take time for yourself, and enjoy. This is something that it is CRUCIAL to remember when you are older, with kids of your own. The demands from school, scouts, church, ballet, soccer, etc. etc. can be TOO MUCH, resulting in stressed out mom and stressed out kids. JUST SAY NO. Start practicing now, only say YES to so many things, and you'll be happier for it.

Oh, and get your sleep. That's a biggie. ;)

Anonymous said...

I don't worry about it. I find that kind of introspection stressful, which only compounds the problem. So I try to listen to my body. When I get tired, I try to sleep more. When I get overworked, I try to play more. When I get all worked up over not relaxing enough, I relax more. Simple.

And by the way, "steak and bananas foster?" Ew. I prefer just bananas foster. Keep the steak out.