Mark had a day off recently. He told me the week before that he was taking the day, and I let him know I wouldn’t be taking the day off with him. I told him I had to work. I had a full schedule and things needed to get done.
When I woke up, even though he knew I was planning to work, he invited me to take a walk around one of our favorite lakes. I should have stayed home and worked. I should have written a blog post. I should have caught up on some accounting. I should have mopped the floors. I should have cleaned up my inbox.
Instead I took a walk around the lake.
One of my girlfriends recently started a new job. She’s been struggling with putting life before work. She cares about her work and really loves her job and the people she works with, but like other jobs she’s had before, her commitment to her work has a way of taking over the special moments she looks forward to in her life. This is a little reminder for her, and for you, and for me to remember what matters. Even though I left the corporate world years ago, I still catch myself trying to put in the hours, or thinking that if I do more, I will be more satisfied. It never works.
When I think about all the times I worked instead of seeing the first snow of the season, or the times I was checking voice mail, or email instead of listening to my daughter tell me about her day, I remember that regret doesn’t come from letting the housework slide, playing hookey, or turning off the phone.
When was the last time you …
- Took a long lunch, or left work early to surprise your kid at school?
- Left your phone at home on date night, or when meeting up with friends?
- Rescheduled all of your appointments so you could curl up with a good book?
- Folded up your to-do list and said, “It can wait”?
When was the last time you took a walk around the lake?
Beautiful post, as always. Such a good reminder of what we need to value in life. Thank you.
i should have gone to the ocean beach this afternoon instead of working on tomorrow’s post, cleaning the bathroom, baking a cake.
all could have waited.
maybe it’s not too late …
;-}
Great blog post. I’m the opposite extreme and have relaxation down to a fine art. Always putting off till tomorrow what should be done today. Reading yours and others’ minimalism blogs get me motivated even for just 5 minutes. Thanks!
Something I learned a long time ago, is to never “should” on yourself.
I agree with the comment ‘never should on yourself’, but I, too, get caught in the trap of ‘should-ing’. I love the quote by Wallace Stevens, and will add it to my favourites. I take a walk every morning and things always look different when I return than when I started. You inspire me, and have for quite a while, thank you.
I agree with you as well but sometimes it’s just not possible. If you aren’t self employed you can’t always just do what you want, when you want to. Most bosses/companies aren’t that accomodating. The best we can do is be there those times that truthfully are our own.
Beautiful, simple, inspiring and convicting!
Thank you for your transparency Courtney.
It’s a good reminder to us all.
Walked around the lake today! And took Friday off so I’m having a long weekend, gardening, sewing and reading 🙂
Gorgeous photos!
Your post really speaks to me! I just retired in June and have started a blog based on “encouragement from you and your writing”. I’m finding this very fulfilling, but I find it very challenging to relax and just enjoy the moments otherwise. It’s as if I’m afraid that if I don’t keep to the pace I had before I won’t accomplish anything or become very lazy. Now that I’m retired I feel that I need to get all those things done that I didn’t have or make the time for before. I have to find my “happy medium”. Thank you for your inspiration!
Thank you Courtney, this post couldn’t have come at a better time for me! I’m starting a new job on Monday after redundancy gifted me the longest break I’ve had in my career (6 weeks). I say ‘gifted’ because something that I was dreading actually turned into something wonderful – I’ve emptied my mind, strenghtened my body, spent time doing things I love and with people I love. I feel like a new person! Now, as I head back into the world of work, I’m conscious of maintaining this joyful state and remembering what’s most important for me. I’ll give my all to my new job of course, but I won’t lose myself in the process.
I have been trying to be more “present” in my life. Last week I decided to put my phone away between certain hours and on those days that I did I felt way more accomplished than the days I was always answering notifications. This week however I did not follow through with it. Thank you for reminding me what is important. Beautifully written!
Thanks for this. I may not have a lake to walk around but I do have other places that refresh. This morning I’m headed to walk around a labyrinth and I’m so excited ! Thanks for the idea to seek out solace . 😉
Hello Courtney,
Well said! I believe that serendipity is one of the best ways to live life at 100%! You may like my recent post by that title – “LIFE AT ONE HUNDRED PERCENT”
Wishing you well,
Carol
Well said, and a good reminder. This morning I took a long walk through the “wilder” parts of town, and enjoyed the end of fall and the sunshine. No lakes here, but ponds full of soon-departing Canada Geese.
Love this, Courtney. Trying to make more time for walks and rest these days. It’s hard to balance it with blogging and the ever-present internet.
Thank you for yet another thoughtful reminder to take time for what matters in life. I left corporate America three years ago for a much quieter life in the Bavarian countryside in Germany. My daily walks in the field with our dog has given me an appreciation of the changing seasons and the beauty that each holds for us if we only stop to notice. Please keep writing!
this is a beautiful post which reminds me that I can’t rest at all. even if I try to do one of those things you mention, like taking a walk aroud the lake, I always feel guilty and kill myself with thinking that I should do more. I’ve been trying to learn how to rest for a long time, but nothing works. I’m more and more sick every year and sickness is another reminder that I have to learn how to rest. reading your blog is a try..
brilliant post. if any of you get a chance go to the nearest waterfall. the healthiest place to be, xx