Short Stories From 10 Years Ago – July 2, 2004
A Bit Of Work & A Bit Of Play
Short Stories From 10 Years Ago – July 2, 2004 – As I sit here and write, it strikes me that “a bit of work and a bit of play”, should be a recipe for a happy, balanced life, not just some days, but every day. I realize that this sounds more than a bit naive. Is this the greatest challenge I face in life?
In comparison to the lives of millions of people – my paltry concerns are trivial. I was blessed to be born into the life that I have, and I have an obligation to learn to live it to the fullest. In doing so, perhaps I can make a contribution to a greater good by example. That said, all things are relative. I’ve had my share of sadness, disappointment, personal struggle, loss and pain. However I sincerely feel the need to acknowledge that I can never understand the life of a man, woman or child living in poverty, degradation, war, political chaos and deprivation.
So my thoughts can only reflect my somewhat limited experience, as a woman living in the most glorious country in the world. However I do tend to work more than I play and it’s not healthy. Because it’s the long week-end, I’ve taken a few days away from work. I still had some listing details to attend to but made plans with my friend Nancee to have lunch at The Distillery District. She picked me up about one-thirty and we made the short drive downtown by the lake in ten minutes.
This beautiful, historical site with its old stone buildings and cobblestone walkways has been lovingly restored and is now home to trendy restaurants, art galleries, jewellery and gift boutiques, home decor stores and street vendors selling photographs, sun glasses, scarves and cards. We had lunch on an outdoor patio. Caesar salad and pasta with a glass of wine for good measure. Pecan flan and a good cup of coffee for me and chocolate mousse for Nancee.
After lunch we walked around and dropped into the shops and galleries. I was back home by five o’clock. This is such a lovely spot to visit – it’s ten minutes away from my home and I’ve only been there twice. I still had about three hours of work to complete when I got home, but I didn’t resent it at all, because I’d taken a break away during the day. I need to do it more often, this blending of work and play. My energy level would improve, my attitude would be better and I would be happier.
Taking a break doesn’t have to mean having a vacation. It can be planning lunch alone or with a friend, having a nap, reading for half an hour, sitting quietly in the sunshine and watching nature, writing a letter to a friend, taking a walk, playing with a beloved pet or surprising someone you love with a small, unexpected gift.
Caring for and soothing one’s heart and soul should be an obligatory thing not a random event. A fine balance in life makes for happier, well adjusted people. I know this and I forget it at every turn. When I’m busy, my needs fall to the bottom of my “To Do List”.
Time to retrieve them and put them back up at the top where they belong. When I look good – I feel good, but when I treat myself well, I do even better. Time to make my life a priority!
