Get a grip

The other day I read an article about how to create a paradise and daily balance within our homes (for free!). The steps listed in the piece revolve around applying a vacation mindset to our everyday lives (instead of waiting until we’re actually on holiday). This includes removing clutter from our surroundings, retaining only those things that bring us happiness, establishing rituals in our home that invoke peace and tuning in to whatever makes us excited to jump out of bed each day. I feel like I already live in a paradise of sorts, but there are so many areas I want to transform both internally and externally that I don’t know where to begin. Instead, I do nothing and then wonder why I’m in a funk… again. I know all about the take the first step, make one change today mentality. But I feel like I’m wearing waders and I need to get a grip before I sink.

What one thing makes your home a daily paradise?

[Image courtesy of Feelart at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.]

Just what the doctor ordered

[Image credit: David Castillo]

This past weekend I traveled to the Midwest to surprise my dad for his 87th birthday.  A few days prior to leaving, I learned of family illness, so plan A for the party locale changed to plan B.  Then, my dad started to come down with a cold, so we switched to plan C.  Which made the most sense because we were now smack dab in the middle of a snow advisory.  My dad’s party was a success, but throughout that night, the white stuff came down.  Hard.  Admittedly, twelve years of living in the Southwest has turned me into “one of those drivers” and, although I made it to breakfast with a friend that morning, the rest of the day found me holed up in the hotel, the remainder of my plans derailed.  All was not lost, however.  I spent my last few hours of vacation resting and regrouping.  Perhaps that’s just what the doctor ordered.

When your plans change, do the revised plans turn out better?

Being present at all times

A couple of weekends ago I planned to travel to Vegas with a girlfriend.  Life happened and I found myself on the strip for the very first time.  Solo.  Although I was a bit nervous, I was also excited.  I ate out, enjoyed the Titanic Exhibit at The Luxor, as well as the Mirage’s volcano and the fountain and botanical gardens at The Bellagio.  I hung out with new friends, caught a Cirque du Soleil show (another first) and the pirate show, both at Treasure Island, lounged by the hotel pool and worked out in the gym.  My first massage in over 20 years was a highlight, and a trip to Fremont Street and gambling on the Black Jack slots rounded out the weekend.  When all was said and done, it was one of my best trips.  I think it’s because I was present in each moment.  I want to be that person when I’m not on vacation too.

Are you present in the big and little things?