“Sometimes I think there are only two instructions we need to follow to develop and deepen our spiritual life: slow down and let go.”
― Oriah Mountain Dreamer, The Dance: Moving To the Rhythms of Your True Self
Every now and then I take the time to slow down and I remember who I am again. It happened last week when I spent four days with my sister Mary and her partner Starr.
Mary had a big event she could have used some help with and well since I’m an event coordinator (after all!), it was easy for me to head down to be of assistance. While I was there, I met some amazing new people and got to visit with some wonderful old friends. This event was called “In Good Company” and was a first time fundraiser for the Winston Salem LGBT community center North Star. I declare it a great success. There were 250 guests plus awards, speakers, music, food, silent auction- what more could a person want?
When that was over, I spent the next couple of days eating Greek food (and visiting with an old friend), going to the movies, shopping, and having Starr’s wonderful homemade cooking. I had lunch with my webmaster and learned some new things. My favorite gift hang out is still in downtown Winston Salem, Earthbound Arts, which you absolutely have to check out when you’re in the neighborhood.
But guess what I did in the down time? Nothing. Yes, that’s right. NOTHING. I laid in the big bed of my room and read and slept. I took lavender scented baths, and looked out the window. Here’s the view.
Amazing, isn’t it?
What do you do when you slow down? For me there was no cooking, no driving, no laundry, no meal planning and only worrying about me. That is a hard thing to come by these days since my life revolves around my family and business. But this is important. This is necessary. This is what taking a break is all about.
And since Mary and Starr live on a farm, there were great views and scenery to remind me to keep it simple.
Even on the plane ride down and back I read, napped and took it easy. Unbelievable. But I have to tell you. I had a great time!
Thank you to Mary, Starr, Julia, Susan, Tamara, Gordon and the North Star friends who made this trip really special.
Such lovely relaxing vistas. I had a break too and looked to the horizon for hours. So refreshing. And you had the bonus of being with your sister and giving her a helping hand. 🙂
Yes, which made it doubly nice! Glad you had some time for a break as well. It really makes a difference.
🙂
Wonderful pictures! It looks so relaxing…not at all like my busy, hectic life. Some days I want to stop and regroup…just not possible right now. So glad you got to get away and spend time with your sister! I wish I could spend time with mine!
Your day is coming. I know you will be able to rest sometime soon. Have a happy Thanksgiving season!
xo Joanne
Oh, I adored being a little mouse in the corner and seeing what you saw. Feeling what you felt. I was walking along the path with you and the meandering dogs. So calm and peace filled. Breathing and relaxing.
Sounds like your sister picked the perfect person to help.
Sounds like you picked the perfect place to fill up your pitcher.
(you can’t pour from an empty pitcher)
Thank you for sharing your goodness.
Such a pleasure to read about your get away.
Hugs from the left coast,
D
So true. You can’t pour from an empty pitcher. Mine feels pretty filled up now 😉
xo Joanne
Such a nice thing, to be able to help your sister, and your reward was so generous! I took some time today eating a quiet lunch with my son. After he put air in my tires, I made us some hot chocolate, and now we had a quiet dinner together. It was nice to simply enjoy each others company and eat good food.
Tank you for sharing, Joanne. That was a nice rest before the Thanksgiving holiday. A good way to rejuvenate.
Hugs,
Marianne xo
How nice you had a quiet dinner and hot chocolate with your son! What a wonderful time together.
I do feel more rested and I am looking forward to the holidays. Thinking of you and hoping you carve out more quiet time for yourself.
xo Joanne
Hi Jo, Thanks for sharing. beautiful,,, just beautiful
Thank you Sherry!
xo
Slow down and let go. Priceless, helpful advice.
The pictures of the road at sunrise and the barn both remind me to slow down, take a deep breath, whisper a Thank You, and be grateful for such a day.
Beautiful post, Joanne.
Hi Marylin! Thank you! Glad you took a brief walk with me down that road, just to slow down. Have a wonderful day!
xo Joanne