The Sweetness of Doing Nothing: Renewal

I am an avid list maker.  I make lists for practically everything I do.  I started this behavior years ago when I felt overwhelmed by so many responsibilities.  With working full time, going to school and taking care of two small children I would constantly forget things and felt as though I weren’t accomplishing much.  By taking ten minutes each evening to make a list of all the things I needed to do for the next day, I found list making to be my saving grace.  I also realized that by having a list and being able to cross things off as I completed them proved that I really was getting a lot done!  Even if I didn’t complete everything, having items marked off on the list gave me a sense of accomplishment.

Today I chose to make a different list.  Instead of charting an abundance of tasks like picking up dry cleaning, grocery shopping or paying bills, I list the things that I want to do for myself; for relaxation and renewal.   I encourage you to take time out for yourself.  Replenish your heart and soul and renew you mind.  Namaste~

Dar’s Renew Day List:

ü  Sip tea while enjoying nature:  Watch the breeze blow through the trees; listen to the birds, breath fresh air.

ü  Meditate:  Quit moments of listening to the sounds of my breath. Clear my mind of all thoughts.  Be still.

ü  Find a nice little bistro with outdoor seating to have lunch.  Try something different on the menu.

ü  Write a hand written note or letter to someone.  Send a get-well or encouragement card to someone in need. Reconnect with a friend or loved ones far away.

ü  Explore a thrift store.  Look for hidden treasures.

ü  Find a new nail polish (a color I wouldn’t normally choose) paint my nails.

A New Life for Dar

Quiet…  For me this is such a beautiful word. For the first time in my adult life I am living alone and I-LOVE-IT! 

Throughout high school I had a plan to graduate, join the Air Force, travel the world, and maybe, someday…get married.  However, by the time I graduated I was already a single mother and soon after there’d be other titles that would come into play: wife, once again a new mother--this time with twins, divorce’, single parent and all while trying to excel at work, have a social life and still hold on to some of my dreams and desires. 

Needless to say, my initial goals fell through the cracks and were buried under mounds of laundry, PTA meetings, little league sports, and the cruelty of petulant kids, an un-involved ex-husband and rebellious teenagers! (Long exasperating sigh)

But I digress… (Slightly)

Deep, deep down inside I was and am still that girl with a strong longing for independence and adventure.  Now, there is light at the end of the tunnel and no, it is not an oncoming train!  My boys have all left the nest to live out their own dreams and goals.

Now, I am living in my own space and while it has been a long desired dream of mine, it is also—much to my surprise—taking some getting used to.  On most days I can sit in my living room, now devoid of sweaty athletic shoes, musical instruments, and sports magazines—and sit in silence while sipping a cup of Zen tea and thumbing through a magazine! 

But there are times when I do miss my boys and I get a bit lonesome for the sound of their laughter, or the energy buzzing through the house when they would have friends over to play video games.  I miss our family vacations taken each year on the twins’ birthday.  Or the impromptu family road trip where we would stumble upon some random destination and immerse ourselves in the local food and culture. 

And while I do admit that it has taken a minute for me to get my footing, I am excited about the possibilities and look forward to rediscovering myself and setting new goals while I am on this exciting new journey!

Namaste’ (The Spirit in me honors the Spirit in you)

Dar