Life from a different perspective

Dear Readers,

Despite the circumstances I hope that you have enjoyed the summer because it’s not over yet. I understand that people are concerned about summer ending. We’ve gotten caught up in enjoying being outside and feeling less stressed. You should continue to enjoy a slower pace there is no reason to begin to stir up panic about the natural changing of the season.

I know its been a difficult year, and the fear of shutting down and go back to begin sheltered in place, and facing the unknown. I admit there is cause for concern, but let me remind you about WIN, What’s Important Now. I said this many months ago when we were first ordered to shelter in place.

What’s important Now is that we have time to create a plan to continue to work from home, develop a structured schedule for home schooling, and think of ways to maintain good emotional, mental and physical health. Remember, we have  struggled through a tremendous crisis, it was difficult, but once people understood the seriousness of this predicament, we did what was needed to remain stay.

I know its easier to keep a positive attitude when we can enjoy warmer weather, and spreading out makes people feel better emotionally. May I suggest looking  forward to the changing seasons with excitement and enjoyment. Continue to stay safe, think about the children this situation has been especially difficult for them , maintain calmness,  and start to think about how your going to structure daily life once we are indoors. In the meantime, enjoy.

Thank you for stopping by dragthepen.

 

Vacation Reflection

Dear Readers,

While on vacation in California between touring the sites of Los Angeles, Beverley Hills, and Santa Monica and chilling on Venice beach, I allowed myself time for reflection. As your reading this you might ask yourself who goes on vacation for reflection? The purpose of a vacation is to take a mental break from the troubles of reality; and to escape into a temporary world where all things are possible.

A vacation means downtime from the regular routine, grind and mental chaos. I ask you to take moment and think about what would happen if you scheduled a little time for quiet reflection.
Reflection isn’t a difficult task versus the task of thinking about all the unsolved situations you left at home. Instead, reflect on certain areas of your life or perform a quick check list of where you are spiritually, emotionally, are your relationships serving a positive purpose in your life, how is your health, finances, career, what does your golden years look like ? Are you living up to your full potential , or stuck in a rut of going through the motions just to get through each day?

How many of us go on vacation to far exotic places only to do a count down of the days until you have to return to ” that life”. You secretly wish that you can remain in the mode of vacation because decision-making is easy, you eat, play, sleep, more fun, eat, play and sleep. On vacation relax time is in abundance there is no rushing to meet deadlines, solve family problems while trying to make time to get to the ” To Do List”.

Here is the truth of the situations. If your on vacation running around trying to cram as many activities you can in a short amount of time; you wake up early, rush to get to the places you want to see. And if your traveling with children you will find yourself trying to solve their problems by keeping them busy. The conflict between you and your spouse because he or she wants to be left alone, but you insist they join in on the fun. Stop. Isn’t this the same chaos you planned a vacation to get away from? If you return home more exhausted, mentally and emotionally drained than when you left for your vacation, it is time for reflection. Vacations don’t have to be jammed packed with ” fun things” to do everyday. What happened to the down time?

Vacations can be perfect time to reflect on why there seems to be too much chaos, and not enough balance between relax time and the busy hectic days of worrying about life. Before my trip to Los Angeles, I planned my days. I traveled with a friend who felt that he too could benefit from a different scene and time for reflection. It was our first time in California, we stayed in a comfortable Airbnb. First full day, we spent the entire day at Venice Beach. The second day we woke late, walked to a coffee spot and enjoyed sitting, talking, and taking our time. We spent the remaining of the day exploring downtime Los Angeles. The third day we woke late and stayed In and did our separate work, I am a teacher, blogger, writer and public speaker. My travel partner is a social worker and he is designing a new website dedicated to social issues. He said the vacation allowed him the time he needed to relax and to focus on his new career. Day four we took a two hour bus tour, dinner and walked the three miles back to our Airbnb.

We both agreed that we where going back to New York City relaxed and in a clearer state of mine. I look forward to my next mini vacation the last week in August before the fall school semester begins. I have reserved a cottage in Virginia Beach.

When was the last time you had downtime for deep reflection?

 

 

Remember this Day.

 

In the last few days I’ve seen postings of military related statements and pictures concerning Memorial day, and people’s  displeasure on what is or is not the correct manner in which to celebrate or observe, ” Memorial day a federal holiday in the United States for remembering the men and women who died while serving in the country’s armed forces. It began as Decoration day following the Civil war, the living  would honor the dead by decorating their  graves.”

Yes, Over time the retail stores have capitalized on Memorial day, this day of remembrance and honor  as a way to boost sales. For some it is the start of grilling season, or beach season. During this time New York City celebrates Fleet Week, to honor the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. Its is customary for some to mark Memorial day by visiting graveyards and war monuments or march in parades.

Yes, we should pay our respects and remember those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom. I encourage people to join in on some of the patriotic celebrations taking place in every state. Rise the American flag that symbolize the resolve to continue the fight for our freedom. Spend time with family and friends eating those delicious hot dog, hamburgers and that special BBQ chicken recipe. Laugh, reminisce and enjoy the beautiful weather.

After all this is what the men and women who are still holding the line and fighting for us to be able to live in freedom and to enjoy life. All I say is ” Remember the meaning of this Day.”

What say you?