Monday, February 4, 2013

Justifying myself... to myself.

This is something that I think we all do, but lately, after doing the mile-a-day thing last year,  I've had some trouble "relaxing."  I had an emotionally and physically draining year last year, and this year has already been better.  I've been working towards different goals slowly, but I'm having a problem.

See, I like relaxing.  I like reading a book, or watching a movie, or snacking on stuff that might not be wonderful for me in moderation, or playing video games.  And I think, in moderation, this stuff is fine.  But right now, it's niggling at me.  I worry that I'm being lazy, that I'm falling back into a way of life that isn't good for me.  I stress out about this enough that I have to shake myself, tell myself it's ok to relax and enjoy, and that I am still being productive and useful to myself and those around me.

It's just that my little person in my head that wants me to do more is so noisy at this time of the year.  It's snowy, it's cold, I'm getting things done.  I'm OK!  Just because I've slowed down and mellowed from the angst ridden running machine I was last summer and fall, doesn't mean I have to keep that trend going to be successful in my goals.

Slow down, deep breath.  Look at the trees, watch the birds.  The days go fast.  I will breath and enjoy.

"Learn to like what doesn't cost much.
Learn to like reading, conversation, music.
Learn to like plain food, plain service, plain cooking.
Learn to like fields, trees, brooks, hiking, rowing, climbing hills.
Learn to like people, even though some of them may be different...different from you.
Learn to like to work and enjoy the satisfaction doing your job as well as it can be done.
Learn to like the song of birds, the companionship of dogs.
Learn to like gardening, puttering around the house, and fixing things.
Learn to like the sunrise and sunset, the beating of rain on the roof and windows, and the gentle fall of snow on a winter day.
Learn to keep your wants simple and refuse to be controlled by the likes and dislikes of others.”

― Lowell C. Bennion

No comments: