Just Breathe: ROW80 Check In

Taking time to smell the roses, to take a deep breath of life, is important. This is day three of my five days of getting away. I can say I've finally decompressed. My body has accepted the time difference and altitude change, sea level all the way to 9,600 feet and back to 5,495. I can finally breathe, figuratively and literally.

Breckinridge, ColoradoI wish I had something more profound to say about the need to relax. Something that would convince people like me, the ones that really need it. If you are wondering who people like me are, feel free to jump over to my post about Embracing Couches.

Don't get me wrong, I'm looking forward to the moment my kids run to me at the airport. I'll get a kiss from hubby, and everyone will tell me how much they've missed me. I'm not foolish enough to believe I've acquired the magic key to balance while away. Nor am I foolish enough to believe my kids' promise to stop fighting if I'll just come home.

One commitment I have made to myself this year is to enjoy life, to find a balance between what I love to do and who I love to do it for. Sometimes the best way to start is to reboot. Clear the mind of clutter. I didn't realize how much mental clutter I had accumulated.

Interesting thing about taking a break, the world didn't stop spinning. These few days of getting away have been my clutter cleanse. No crazy juice diets for me... just a few days with girlfriends.

I only hope I can bring my lessons home with me, and not let myself get caught back up in the web of life. Or at least not caught up enough that I can't figure out how to break free when necessary.

What clears your mind and allows you a chance to breathe?

ROW80 Update

I'm so proud of my progress this week, yet I've written few words. I've done tons of reading and lots of laughing and bonding. I wouldn't trade it for the world.

I managed to prewrite posts and keep things running, but I've really disconnected from social media. I've realized, and it was quite the eye-opener, how much time I spend on Facebook, Twitter, emails, etc.

While I've been away, I have spent thirty minutes in the mornings and one hour during the evenings checking in. Guess what? I used my time effectively and did what I really needed to. I didn't have time to get distracted, because I wanted to get to the best distraction of all... fun.

Hoping everyone had a great week. I'm off to spend thirty minutes checking on all of you. See you Wednesday!