08 :: A Real Good Time
Today I’m leaving to go to the Smoky Mountains for the weekend with some friends. We’ll be staying at this cozy little cabin, hiking around the mountain trails, taking in the scenery, playing lots of games, and soaking in the hot tub (oh, yeah). Sure, summer’s right around the corner … but I still need a break.
Truth is, work has been really hard for me this year. I’ve had to find a way to fit back into a culture and system that is both familiar and foreign, to juggle both the-way-things-used-to-be and the-way-things-have-become at the same time. I’ve had more interpersonal conflicts at work this year than ever before, and there were many more days when that ever-elusive joy was simply impossible to find. And the pace itself has been difficult to deal with … sure, I’m slowing down, but I also think there’s just something futile about the rate at which we live.
So yeah … this weekend should be a much needed break from the grind and a chance to be around some pretty fantastic folks. And when I get back, I’m going to take yet another personal day to relax at home with some movies and blankets. If I’m gonna do it, I figure, I might as well do it right.
May 8th, 2008 at 8:24 am EST
“there’s just something futile about the rate at which we live”
Yes, there is. To stop the endless merry-go-round pace you need to learn to say “no” to things and to stick to your guns. We tend to be busy, but in a very relaxed and purposeful way (if that makes any sense), choosing carefully where to spend our time. It helped a ton when we moved out of a busy city to a more laid back one. Often when we drive through the countryside on our way to someplace I think about stepping it down yet another notch and just moving to a place with acreage, but then I’d have to spend time I don’t really have to take care of the property.
There are so many time wasters and distractions out there that have no eternal purpose. Just say NO to them and focus more on the stuff that matters.
May 8th, 2008 at 9:29 am EST
I love staying in a cabin in the smokies but I can’t stand how fake their pictures look. Would anyone else agree?
May 8th, 2008 at 10:22 am EST
The biggest hindrance to me slowing down is me. Often when I find myself with time to relax or do nothing I get fidgety and can’t relax. It’s only now that I’m beginning to be more intentional about stepping back and slowing down.
May 8th, 2008 at 11:38 am EST
That’s when I love to read a good book. Nothing but nature around to listen to. Hmmm…. now Im jonesin’ to go read something that doesn’t require a battery or an electrical outlet.
May 8th, 2008 at 10:54 pm EST
Hiking is probably one of my favorites. The smokies, especially when it’s smokey, are fantastic at surreal hikes.
When you said grind, I immediately craved a fresh cup o cafe.
May 9th, 2008 at 8:25 pm EST
Oooo, enjoy. That sounds fantastic.
May 12th, 2008 at 10:45 am EST
Yeah, Rob … the pictures look fake, but that’s actually exactly what the cabin looked like. I was pleasantly surprised … and the whole weekend was simply a blast. What wonderful peeps.
Slowing down is never a problem for me, as long as I remember to plan for margin in my life. I think that’s partly because of the frenetic pace … I tend to work hard, play hard, and rest hard too. Today’s a great example … I’m still in bed at 10:45am!