i’ve got this “life” thing figured out.
Between you wonderful people who leave comments, and my own bit of insight I got several minutes ago, I think I’ve got it figured out. Here are the important bits:
- As Kty reminded me, it’s a process, and it will take time to reorient myself into a new way of living. Be patient.
- As Marnie noted, why don’t I just cut myself a little slack and force a period of slackerdom before I leave for the World’s Best Wedding next week. I’ll get bored and want to do things that matter.
- And as Pip commented, it’s time to nurse myself back to health with rest, good food, and green all around – outside and in my belly.
And here’s the bit I figured out for myself: I want a balanced life, and that means tending to basic things on a regular basis. Be sure I get enough rest. Be sure I eat things that are healthy (and when I splurge, splurge well! Dark chocolate! Strawberries! Greek yogurt!). Be sure I get fresh air every day, if I can. Be sure I use my body every day.
So I asks myself, I says “Self? Did you get outside yet today?” And if the answer is no, I take a break and take a little walk. I have a tendency to get focused on one thing and just stay with it, no matter what. I’m on the computer? Then I’m on the computer and don’t even get up to pee. I’m knitting and watching a movie? Then I’ll knit and watch 1, 2, 3 movies. Instead, I’ll try to think “hey, I’ve been on the computer for a long time. Have I used my body today? No? Then how about a bit of yoga or a walk.”
That sounds pretty gentle as an approach. Not Draconian, or Prussian. Not all or nothing. Just kind of balanced.
I spent the day working, finishing up the very last bits of my old work, then I took a walk (and it’s hotter and steamier than I thought it was!), so now I’m going to take a quick shower, then knit for a while. A bit of this, a bit of that. I’ve had a good day.
Yoga and walks are nice, but don’t forget dancing! When I realize my butt hasn’t moved in a while, I love some mad crazy dancing. It’s cathartic and I daresay burns excellent calories (and makes my Bebe laugh a lot).
On her own blog, perches just wrote a post titled..berry minty goodness
Dancing! Yeah, such fun and great exercise. When my kids were little, we’d do a “house cleaning blitz,” which meant we spread out and worked furiously, trying to get it done in a prescribed amount of time. Or we’d decide the amount of time in advance, and do all we could. The reward was meeting in the living room, turning on “American Pie” and then dancing our brains out. We’d do the easy dances – the monkey, the twist, the pony, the swim, dances we could just have fun with, and we’d dance until we collapsed. That’s among my favorite memories of their childhoods. Thanks for reminding me! I have no doubt Bebe giggles and dances too.
Ah, yes, balance. It does seem like it should come more easily, doesn’t it? It sounds like you’re finding your way beautifully, though. You put me in mind of two of my favorite mottos: Balance in all things; and Mens sana in corpore sano (i think i have the gender right on those).