CHANGE WITH THE SEASONS

Dear Readers, change with the seasons.

Recently I posted a video discussion about the changing seasons. We all have our favorite season. As we enter into the Fall season or the season of harvest, I hear people groaning about the ending of summer and the anticipation of winter; so much expressions of sadness and Fall doesn’t officially start until September 23.

Most people allow the change of seasons to regulate their moods thus effecting their behavior. Its natural to want to live in a warm cilmate because it makes people feel better. On a recent trip to California I thought about what life would be like if there were no cold snowy Winters, and April showers. Living in a warm climate allows the opportunity for longer days, and more time spent outdoors, a wonder contrast to staying indoors in fear of the cold. Has it ever occurred to you that we don’t have to allow the changing seasons to have a negative impact on our mindset or limit our activities. The seasons do what they do naturally without effort. Each seasons knows when its time to fall back or spring forth. I like Winter snow when it white, fresh and beautiful. I like rainy days at least when I can spend them at home.

I enjoy the color festival of the Fall and all the wonderful smells of spices like; vanilla, pumpkin, apple cider, cinnamon, nutmeg and all the other delicious smells and tastes that usher in the holiday season. We don’t have to view the changing seasons as something to dread, instead think about changing with the seasons.

Starting with Fall, a time to let go and declutter, Instead of waiting for Spring to clean. Fall can be a time to reflect, and get rid of emotional baggage. Look around your environment does your home reflect the way you feel? Are you holding onto things that have long out weighed their usefulness? Are there relationships you should detach from to make room for personal growth. When the seasons change they do so without hesitation, what needs to die, will die because the atmosphere is being prepared for renewal of the next season. I see Fall as a time to explore.

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Old Man Winter doesn’t have to be viewed as the worst time of the year; When people shut themselves in and becone indifferent due to the snow and freezing temperatures. Winter can be a time of close bonding with family and friends and a time of discovery. The problem is that most people are bored during winter because they don’t take advantage of learning new activities like skiing, snow boarding or ice skating. There are many winter resorts that have great outdoor and indoor activities. Winter can be a time to create family actvities such as, games night, pot luck dinners, family members can take turns hosting movies night. Winter brings the holiday season a perfect time to have an open house or decorating parties. I know many towns that host winter festivals that are perfect for a winter weekend getaway.

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Spring is always a welcomed time of renewal in anticipation of summer. Most people like to rush the season of spring in order to get to Summer. I think that Spring is a season that is underappreciated for all the wonderful work nature does to prepare for the renewal of the earth.  Spring has the task of softnering the earth, preparing for the return of wild life. The rain washes and nurtures the earth welcoming the warmth of the sun to complete the amazing metamorphosis of green grass, and bursts of colorful flowers, and the abundance of trees.

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There is said to be 90 days of summer. And we are currently in ” the dog days of summer,” soon the days will be shorter, nights longer when the clocks falls back, backyards are closed, grills covered, pools emptied, boats anchored, birds flocking south, and squirrels gather food to hunker down for the long winter months.
May I suggest we enjoy each day, catch the warmth of the sun for as long as you can, for there is no need to worry, seasons change and summer will be back again.

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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?

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An Ode To The Weekend

Dear readers,

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Grinding, workaholic, pushing to the top, and burning the candle at both ends. Whatever people are calling it these days, I say, we live in a society were people are burnt out, drained and over worked. Does anyone remember the regular five-day work week, when business ended on Friday at 5 pm, and that when the weekend started.

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Yes, the weekend, those two days separate from the hustle and routine of the weekdays. Saturday meant, sleeping late, relaxing, regrouping, and visiting the mall. Sundays the family drove to grandmas house for dinner, or sport parties, backyard BBQ’s in the summer, and long lazy days at the beach.

Nowadays, relax is rushed and unplanned. I hear more and more people say, ” I don’t have Time.” Vacations are getting shorter, and most people plan stay cations, instead of going away.

I was a energizer bunny from the age of 28-50. Well, the thrill is gone. I am off the treadmill of madness, got my feet planted firmly on the ground, and taking baby steps to reclaim my weekends.

 

What Say You

 

An Ode To The Weekend

Dear readers,

stock-vector-man-people-working-construction-carrying-building-industry-painting-sawing-hard-labor-pictogram-83159008

Grinding, workaholic, pushing to the top, and burning the candle at both ends. Whatever people are calling it these days, I say, we live in a society were people are burnt out, drained and over worked. Does anyone remember the regular five-day work week, when business ended on Friday at 5 pm, and that when the weekend started.

90319910d8a1a2a77e2970077c084ccf

Yes, the weekend, those two days separate from the hustle and routine of the weekdays. Saturday meant, sleeping late, relaxing, regrouping, and visiting the mall. Sundays the family drove to grandmas house for dinner, or sport parties, backyard BBQ’s in the summer, and long lazy days at the beach.

Nowadays, relax is rushed and unplanned. I hear more and more people say, ” I don’t have Time.” Vacations are getting shorter, and most people plan stay cations, instead of going away.

I was a energizer bunny from the age of 28-50. Well, the thrill is gone. I am off the treadmill of madness, got my feet planted firmly on the ground, and taking baby steps to reclaim my weekends.

 

What Say You

 

Saying less to say More

Dear readers,

Its turning out to be a hot summer thus far,and I am getting ready for the release of my first book ” The Waiting Game” (my writing name J. R. Floyd available on Amazon). You can read a chapter from my book by clicking on the category chapters from my book.

 

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Anyway, I’ve decided to keep my posting, rants and ideas to 100 words, leaving more time for book signings, the beach, sitting pool side, and outdoor concerts.

Stay tune……….

What Say You?