Today found me stuck in a quiet spot with beautiful music and my computer. I have a laundry list of things to do, but the timing of appointments and the distance between places brought me to this simple cafe.
As I sat here, I've been thinking about the past few erratic days of schedules and needs coming up against each other the way that incoming and outgoing tides crash. Similar to what I do in the surf, I ducked under the confusion until it passed. Now past, I am thinking about how to avoid similar conflict while nurturing those I love and care for.
Again, it comes back to similar answers as in the past: routine, focus, celebration, and care.
Routine
I say it again and again, however, I don't always follow my own mantra. A healthy routine helps everyone to do their best. And for all of us, that healthy routine will be different. That routine will change from stage to stage in life too.
Listen and Know Those You Love
While we are changing continuously so are our loved ones. We have to make time to be with those we love and care for most regularly to hear their words, see them, know who they are, and what they want/need. For me, the best times in life are those intimate times of getting together with those I love.
Good Times
Not only is it important to know those we love most, but it's also important to share good times, make good memories, enjoy each others company. The events that bring us together and enliven our spirits will also change over the years. For example, the other night I had a good time in a warm, friendly pub listening to a wedding band with countless young couples. I enjoyed the music and the camaraderie--a good time.
Celebration
Using the typical celebrations of birthdays, anniversaries, special events, and holidays as touch stones for family togetherness and camaraderie is important. Making good traditions that match who you are and what you and your loved ones like to do at these special times makes relationships strong and lasting.
Care
All of us have times when we need more than we can give, and we all have times when we can give more than we need. It's important to give as often as you can and as much as you can when you're able. There are so many ways to care for each other, and that care needs to be a regular part of one's routine. Caring that translates into a meal, visit, needed gift, comfort, or a warm welcoming place to stay or visit is one more way to nurture those you love and care about.
Our relationships matter tremendously in life, and how we nurture those relationships with a positive routine, attention, good times, celebration, and care matters too. I'll be thinking about this today with the new school year around the corner--a year that I hope will continue to strengthen existing relationships as well as forge new, strong relationships too.
As I sat here, I've been thinking about the past few erratic days of schedules and needs coming up against each other the way that incoming and outgoing tides crash. Similar to what I do in the surf, I ducked under the confusion until it passed. Now past, I am thinking about how to avoid similar conflict while nurturing those I love and care for.
Again, it comes back to similar answers as in the past: routine, focus, celebration, and care.
Routine
I say it again and again, however, I don't always follow my own mantra. A healthy routine helps everyone to do their best. And for all of us, that healthy routine will be different. That routine will change from stage to stage in life too.
Listen and Know Those You Love
While we are changing continuously so are our loved ones. We have to make time to be with those we love and care for most regularly to hear their words, see them, know who they are, and what they want/need. For me, the best times in life are those intimate times of getting together with those I love.
Good Times
Not only is it important to know those we love most, but it's also important to share good times, make good memories, enjoy each others company. The events that bring us together and enliven our spirits will also change over the years. For example, the other night I had a good time in a warm, friendly pub listening to a wedding band with countless young couples. I enjoyed the music and the camaraderie--a good time.
Celebration
Using the typical celebrations of birthdays, anniversaries, special events, and holidays as touch stones for family togetherness and camaraderie is important. Making good traditions that match who you are and what you and your loved ones like to do at these special times makes relationships strong and lasting.
Care
All of us have times when we need more than we can give, and we all have times when we can give more than we need. It's important to give as often as you can and as much as you can when you're able. There are so many ways to care for each other, and that care needs to be a regular part of one's routine. Caring that translates into a meal, visit, needed gift, comfort, or a warm welcoming place to stay or visit is one more way to nurture those you love and care about.
Our relationships matter tremendously in life, and how we nurture those relationships with a positive routine, attention, good times, celebration, and care matters too. I'll be thinking about this today with the new school year around the corner--a year that I hope will continue to strengthen existing relationships as well as forge new, strong relationships too.