Restore Yourself

What do you do to do solo rest and rejuvenate yourself? For me I rejuvenate by reading a book, talking a walk, looking out my windows at nature (be it at the sky or in the tree's). I also work on taking a break - such as going to a cafe for a cup of coffee, or even enjoy taking a  stroll in the produce section of the grocery store.

In my mid twenties, one of my favorite breaks was driving to a country nursery and wondering around the plants and indoor greenhouse. In my college years, I went to the Dewitt Mall and ordered chocolate cake, sitting solo with my thought. On a good weather day I would go up the hill to the Johnson Museum and observe the art on display. If I was short of time I would go to the snack bar on my own campus and order a bagel and cream cheese.

When I worked in New York City in the early 80's, I would, weather permitting, go to the park with the waterfall wall and eat a sandwich at lunchtime. In the rainier or cooler times I would go into the then Citibank atrium and enjoy the chatter of fellow restaurant and cafe patrons and savor a cup of coffee.The reason for me telling these tales is to get you to think about what you do, primarily in solitude, to restore yourself.


These days, I look out my window at the large oak trees and pines that surround the house, enjoy a cup of tea or coffee in my favorite chair. I also walk my dog or spend time petting him and watch my cares go away.

So what do you do to restore yourself? Knowing some of the activities you can choose, helps you to select your options.A rest break, short or long,  can bring you energy and revitalize the rest of your day. 

Getting To Where We Want To Go

To make headway is to go forward or towards our desired destination.  Getting towards our destination is usually reached by doing physical activities and actions. Yet, getting to where we want to go, often starts in the mind or "head". Thus to make headway, we may often need to first think or use our head as much as taking our physical steps.

I recently came across this quote attributed to Henry David Thoreau.

As a single footstep will not make a path on the earth, so a single thought will not make a pathway in the mind. To make a deep physical path, we walk again and again. To make a deep mental path, we must think over and over the kind of thoughts we wish to dominate our lives.

So, to make headway start with your mind, your steps are likely to follow.

This is a best of post from 2010

Roadblocks

What do you do when you reach a roadblock? You can stay put and not go anywhere for a while. You can mumble and complain. Eventually you can choose to take the detour. Detours are usually complicated and confusing. Sometimes detours can even make you want to delay your journey and go back home. Detours do take more time, but eventually you get to where you intended to go, if you persevere.

Every day life is abound with roadblocks. While they can be frustrating, especially if they are unexpected, they can offer a chance to try a new route, see different thinks and have a unique experience.

How have you experienced detours in your life?

Three Ways to Change Your Attitude

Change and transition's are generally difficult. If you have been involuntarily made to change, a change of attitude may make a big difference.

Three ways to change or transition your attitude:

1. Try looking at things with a perspective outside of yourself.
2. Visualize a good outcome and rethink strategically how to get to that place.
3. Be grateful you have to experience this discomfort and appreciate the insightful lesson's you will learn.

Growth comes from change. Start with changing your attitude. You will enjoy the journey much more.

This is a Best of Post from 2009