Below is the second article of six in our $100 competition, submitted by George at Tumblemoose. Good luck to everyone who contributed an article!
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Taking time for ourselves. It is so difficult to do in the age of cell phones and 24 hour news channels. Each day we run our hectic schedules, fulfilling our obligations. We blog, we social network, we work to grow our business. But what about the most important obligation of all? The obligation to live this life to it’s fullest, enjoying good food and the laughter of friends and family in a relaxed setting, far away from the worries of the day.
A good life is one that is full and balanced. Hard work should be balanced with relaxing play. It is possible to have it all. And the truly good news is that you can enjoy a wonderful afternoon or evening without making elaborate plans. As a bonus, you will be much more refreshed and ready to tackle your business from a fresh perspective.
Here are the ingredients for a memorable time:
- Location – Pick somewhere that speaks to your heart. Beauty is everywhere and if there is a setting that you find beautiful, sharing that location with those closest to you enhances the beauty that much more. A good location doesn’t have to be near a majestic sea shore with a golden sunset in the background. It can be as simple as a local park or even a scenic pull-out along a highway. The only real requirement is that the setting be one that makes you feel good. Remember, open eyes see beauty everywhere.
- People – You can choose to just include your soul-mate, or you can invite any number of friends or family members whose company you enjoy. Is there a new acquaintance that you’d like to know a little better? What a perfect way to explore who they are.
- Food – Ah yes, food. The common tie that warms our soul and nourishes our body. Food is of course the centerpiece to a gathering of friends. From a full course Thanksgiving meal, to the cookies and coffee served at meetings, good food delights our senses with tastes and smells that bring our fondest memories forward and take us home.
- Accessories – Having a meal outdoors does not mean fine food served on paper plates with flimsy plastic cutlery. Part of the enjoyment of the meal is a pleasing presentation with the tools that contribute to a fine eating experience. A beautiful picnic basket filled with items to enhance the setting can really complete the dining experience. A few simple candles also add to the atmosphere of relaxation
Remember to keep it simple. You don’t have to plan activities or decide who sits next to whom. Let things progress at their own natural pace. Have everyone do themselves a favor: for this brief moment in time, leave their cell phones in the car. The world will still be there, waiting for them upon their return to reality.
Bring these ingredients together often. Spice them with humor and good conversation. Every outing has the potential to be memorable and soon you will find that these outings are the highlight of your week. Something to be savored and treasured. Something to look forward to with joyful anticipation and gratitude for everything this bountiful life has to offer.
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lorem ipsum – Sacrifice pleasures for the gain of greater pleasure, endure pain to avoid greater pain. Sounds like a nasty loop eh? I hope to cash out sooner than later so I could find that balance!!
I find it amazing at how much people manage to stack on their plate when the goal is to ultimately have more time for life friends and family. We, as business owners, need to constantly work to increase the value of the tasks we perform and learn not to increase the amount of time we work.
Matt, thanks for this great opportunity.
@James: I want that for you too!
@Rod: True, before you know it, twenty long years have slipped away and we’re left with a shell.
Hey George, great example of balance. My husband and I were talking about our summer of all work and no play. We rode our motorcycles twice! We were of the mindset that everything has to be a big production. We are trying to simplify our life to allow us to stop and smell the roses. I’ll certainly show him your post. Thanks.
George, you have done a wonderful job of separating that gray line between work and living life. In these days, people should make every effort possible to increase their quality of living and disconnect from the gadgets for a little while. I crocheted today. The first time in 7 months and it felt great!
Hi George,
Great post! I should take your advise! I think I’ve been working too hard and not playing enough.
i agree~so many people do not make time for themselves, yet expect to be there for others (family, friends, clients etc).
i regularly go through my home to refine my minimilist style;this extends to my spending habits as well.
what u use every day (accessories) should be special. i luv op shops 4 the character 2nd hand items have, and i get to contribute to recycling
sometimes i just hop on a cheap bus trip to a regional town nd spend the day on the beach or in the forest.
tho a night at the cinema or beers after a gallery scope are also enjoyable and rewarding.