We are enjoying another day of fall like temperatures. Cooler weather and the promise of fall bring out the best in me! I am of the Baby Boomer generation. We were all told that we could be the president of the United States…and we have witnessed that promise fulfilled. We B. Boomers set out early in life to seek our fortune and fill our days with something to occupy our time…24/7. Do you recall when there was a push by educators to enroll their children into nursery school and then Pre-K…and then Kindergarten. We were admonished that if we did not seek to enrich our kids almost from the womb…that they would be woefully behind. I not only worked a full-time position….But regularly worked 20 or more additional hours per week…for free… While I was working all those hours I was taking university classes as well. The hectic manic pursuit of being busy…leaves you exhausted and out of touch with you family…and yourself!
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Have you ever taken a holiday and subsequently packed so many activities into the two weeks that you are not only not refreshed but left wondering was it really worth it? We spent a month in Europe in 2014. For the first two weeks we stayed strong. The third week…we were tired…and the fourth week…we were struggling to climb all of the steps in Florence, Italy. Holidays are like fine red wine…they are meant to be sipped slowly and savored…
The older I become the more I understand the intricacies of the quiet life. Certainly 2020 has afforded ample opportunity for a walk on the quiet side. We humans need down time. We require long periods of reflection and meditation on the beauty of just being here… We are consumed with social media and 24/7 satellite or cable news. When you expose yourself to news that makes you anxious and depressed…on a daily basis…you are missing the forest for the trees. Media can warp your opinions on many issues if you do not take a healthy break from it. Often we are exposed to politicians and pundits who are performing for what they perceive as their voters. You are not witnessing the real person…but the cardboard cut-out theatre version. Our views and passions are set by actors and jokers. and court jesters…and clowns… that you would not want to have a cup of coffee with…
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We enjoy pastoral paintings. Many of us enjoy being renewed by nature. A happy life does not have to be a life filled with busy work and stress and sour stomach! As I sit on the writing porch enjoying the cool breeze and the peaceful setting…I am grateful for the quiet life.
The Happy Traveler 
This is beautiful. Rest is as important as staying busy in life is. We often forget that. Thanks for the reminder!
Thank you, my friend!