So, Karen…

What have you been doing or planning lately to give yourself a break from the rat race? What strides — or even baby steps — have you been making toward a more balanced, restful, peaceful life? Even if they haven’t yet been translated into action, what thought-pattern transformations — or paradigm shifts — have been occurring for you lately that have begun preparing you for action? I’d love to help you celebrate your big — or little — successes!

Your (first?) life-balance support group member,
Jeanne

It’s so easy to fall prey to the Someday Syndrome — much too easy! I’m trying to learn to savor life’s moments as much as I can…to pay more attention to the important people in my life…to allow myself the luxury of a little more rest and relaxation, a little more sleep, and a little more fun, instead of feeling as if I must be accomplishing something all the time. It’s so incredibly liberating to be free of the constant shoulds!

Thanks for a great reminder!
Jeanne

Karen Putzs last blog post..Karen Putz and Amy Derby Do Lunch

I find myself so much more concious of time lately, because I spent an intense summer with my parents who are in their 80’s. The clock is quietly ticking in the background and I’m grabbing what I can.

Karen Putzs last blog post..Karen Putz and Amy Derby Do Lunch

Brad Shorrs last blog post..In Praise of One Liners

@Joanna, “taking time, and what happens in it, as it is, rather than trying to impose my will on it. ” I love, love love this thought. I believe in African culture they adhere to the theory of moving in time, rather than dictating time. What a beautiful way to think and live. As for the themes, Monday was an experiment and I decided to keep going with it. It felt right to have order this week. As for next week, only time will tell.

@Jamie, welcome back!!! I missed you! Loved your post today! Laughing should be the national pasttime. I highly recommend it. As an added bonus it also works your abs! Gotta love laughter!

@Rebecca, I think you hit the nail on the head when you said you’re at peace when not everything gets done. Too often people allow “the list” to control their state of mind. Your attitude seems very healthy.

@Melissa, I always picture you with happy music playing in the background dancing through your day. From what you’ve shared with your readers, you do seem to find a way to strike a good balance. Freelancing can definitely lead to burn out if you don’t put yourself on the agenda. It is good that you have been able to recognize that and fight to prevent it.

@Seamus, it was well deserved link love. I saw your blog name over at MWP and had to rush over to read. I was delighted and hooked. We could be fish food tomorrow. Some find that morbid but an awareness of our mortality is a good reminder to sniff while we can!

@Evelyn, I like your attitude! My changes came as I went through life transitions. Was there a particular trigger for you or did you just reach a point where you got tired of being productive all the time?

@Alex, You are such a warm, sweet soul. I’m like you. On the weekends I power down. I spend very little time on the computer and am not at all freaked out about not checking email, etc.

@Ulla, you graciously share that serenity with us through your photographs, and I am so thankful you do. I often feel like I’ve been on mini-vacation when I leave your blog. I’m all for getting things done too but there’s more to life, in my humble opinion.

@Amy, yay! So good to see you!!! I have been counting down the days when you return. I think we all have seasons in life when we have less play time. The trick I think is to contain it to a season and not a lifetime. That’s when life seems to slip away far too quickly.

amypalkos last blog post..Amy Loves Etsy