Here I am sitting on my patio with a cup of coffee in my hand and my laptop actually sitting on my lap (brilliant person who ever coined that term - however not nearly as brilliant as the person who invented coffee). Now, normally there might be a bit of guilt in my taking time out during the day to enjoy a bit of the warm California sun but not today. You see, this afternoon, I am practicing what I preach about the Air Mask Mantra, aka as Taking Time for You (Me).
Yes, you've heard about Air Masks when flying. Prior to take off, the Airline Attendants present the emergency instructions and tell you in case of lost air pressure to put on your Air Mask prior to assisting anyone else. The logic is simple, however ever so hard for many to get their heads wrapped around. If you don't put your mask on first, you simply will not be able to assist anyone else. PERIOD.
These days, so many of us live in (for lack of a better phrase), a FedEx world. We seek, and often think we "need" everything in a New York Minute. But rarely is that true. We've gotten spoiled with instant gratification, myself included.
If you're a caretaker, like myself, you may also find yourself sometimes going from one situation to the next. Own your own business and you're switching hats constantly.
That's why it's so important to stop and breathe, go for a walk, meditate, yoga, go for a drive and crank up the tunes, even if it's just five minutes here and there. It's sorta like having that after dinner mint that cleanses your palate after a huge dinner.
There's a famous quote about meditation, "You should sit in meditation for twenty minutes every day. Unless you are too busy, then you should sit for an hour." - Author Unknown.
I don't know about you, but in my experience, nothing ever comes from chaos but more chaos. However, if you let go (surrender) and just breathe, take a time out or a nap, and let your mind rest you will often find that you are better able to respond to life instead of reacting to it.
Find something that works for you, takes you to your happy place. For me one of my favorite things to do is either drive up PCH (Pacific Coast Hwy) or drive Mulholland between Laurel and Coldwater with the top down in my VW Beetle.
I'd love to hear back from you... how do you take time for you? You can email me privately if you like or post a comment here or on FB.
xoxo
Love, laughter, and friendship,
Lisa
Beauty Cafe
