Make time for you - it's important!
It's a beautiful, sunny, Sunday morning here in western Sydney. In the near distance from the front of my house, there are the Scenic Hills. Trees, fields and cows, all within my view. In fact directly in front of me there is an old farmers house. It is a "Heritage Property". Surrounding it is a small field with three cows in it at the moment. They walk idly around, just doing what cows do! The land is looking particularly splendid to me at the moment as we've had more rain in the past week than in the previous six months. The grass is green meaning food for many a creature - including "my cows" across the road.
Shortly I am heading off for a walk with my two, furry boys. They are looking at me as though something is wrong. Although it is 7 am here in Sydney, I've been up and about since 5 am and they haven't been walked yet. They are sitting patiently at my feet. They know I'm running late and should have left an hour ago. Meanwhile, I've been listening to the birds waking up and seeing another day appear as if by magic, a couple of things often taken for granted. I've also spent some time on WA, which I don't usually do 'till later. We have a park near us with trees, playing fields and a dog leash free area. Heaven for my four legged friends. And it serves me quite well too!
Apart from my pets, I am here on my own at the moment. This is my time. Everday I find time for me. When I go for my walk I'll see all the wild birds having breakfast. People will be waking up and getting out with their dogs and we'll have a bit of a yarn in passing each other. I'll take my ipod as I do everyday, and listen to an uplifting speech, affirmations or perhaps some piano music to "fill my soul."
Then begins the part of the day when life gets busy. My son will be home later and peace and quiet as I know it will end. Instead, it will be replaced with a new joy. That of seeing him after two days, and hearing his news. I'll be reminded yet again, of a mothers love.
I'm a morning person, and I love this time of day. For others, it may be the afternoon or evening. Regardless, make time for you and to do something that you love. Taking time out to appreciate being you is necessary to refresh your body and clear your mind. Think of it as recharging your batteries. You have to put back into you what comes out. Otherwise you'll get burnt out and stressed. Obviously this is no good for you personally or professionally. Illness has meant I don't take anything for granted. There is indeed pleasure and gratitude to be found in so many everyday actions.
What are your thoughts and how do you make time for you?
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I think that it is simply the best time of day. When I was younger I managed the nights as well, but I think I've mellowed a lot since then! Crystal I note that you were/are a nurse. I have a friend who is one too. How are you feeling now, any better?
What a beautiful picture you have painted Annie. When I get the chance, I love walking the hills around Cork and Kerry, but normally it is a river-side walk which is only a few minutes away.
Hi Con, there isn't much to rival a walk with nature, is there? It is so relaxing and gives us a chance to forget about everything else for a while. Like Tina below, it sounds like you have your own piece of heaven close by.
Very nice piece Annie. I love mornings too.
My office is upstairs and I have sliding doors that open on to a nice little deck - we have three. My view is of the mountains and the Clark Fork River. My dogs too sit and watch me while I spend time working or playing on the computer. Have to have at least one cup of coffee with my breakfast. Sometimes, if it's after noon, I will have a glass of wine or a beer while I write or do WA stuff. Living the dream.
Have a wonderful day.
Tina you must live in a beautiful area. I could never be a city girl after having lived in the suburbs with my little piece of countryside across the road.
It is beautiful here. Missoula, Montana. It's a town of around 100,000 but I live on the edge of the city limits. We're in a valley in the Rocky Mountains. Not far away if Flathead Lake, one of the largest fresh water lakes west of the Mississippi River. Glacier National Park isn't too far away from there.
Only thing is, I don't have a cow.
Hi AnnieB,
This was a beautiful blog. I used to "do mornings" too but now have tasks at that time. You paint a real inviting picture of Australia. I always wanted to visit. I think I will put more time into creating my special time to be by myself with nature.
Hello Nancy. I am very blessed to have found this home 15 years ago. To me nature helps to put everything into perspective. We just need to listen to, and look at it. It's amazing the difference one can feel, even after a short walk.
Good reminder and well put! Sometimes we are so pushed to "get ahead" we forget we need to do something for ourselves -- to some it will be activity to others it will be settling down and being quite -- whatever works. Taking some measure for ourselves helps us to be thankful for what we have and appreciate even more what comes our way.
Hi Mike. Yes I enjoy the quiet with perhaps some gentle music playing. Every day is a blessing in it's own way. Sometimes we just don't slow down enough to appreciate what we do have. :)
By going to the gym almost everyday, that's how I make time for myself and be thankful for all the blessing that I receive:) Great post Annie.....
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Annie, thank you for sharing your scenic landscape and alone time with us. It is important to smell the roses and enjoy the moment. My cousin and a close friend dropped by as they do every Wednesday morning.
We had breakfast on our balcony under the blue sky while watching the sail boats swaying to and fro along the harbour. The occasional ferry arrived and departed,
taking its usual 9 to 5 crowd to work in the city. I used to be one of them!
Our chatter did not keep some White Cockatoos from joining us. My naughty neighbour cannot resist feeding them most mornings. When she is not around,
they perch on our balcony eagerly looking for a morsel or two. We had to hide our croissants under our napkins until, disappointed, they got the message and flew
away. ~ Jude
Hi Jude, yes those cockatoos know when they are onto a good thing. I love the ocean and it must be magical to view it with company you enjoy. A very relaxing start to your day!