Summer Balance

Summertime hellos!

How wonderful it would be, in this warmer season, to play complete hookie from all obligations and commitments (both work and personal) and simply play for months! Those of you that can afford work time off and afford a vacation are fortunate. Those of us that have to continue working through the summer though (me included), really need to make the time to have bite-size opportunities to break away and rejuvenate. Keeping up with all the peripheral "need-to-be-done jobs" has to be put into perspective (and occasionally put on the back burner) in support of healthy living! Wouldn't you say,

• The yardwork can wait one more day.
• The filing of papers and answering correspondance can wait one more day.
• Certainly, the vaccuuming and dusting can wait.
• The mess in the carport will still be there tomorrow.
  

Now, lest you think me a slouch, I am not. I work very hard and certainly prefer order. It's just that, at this time of year, things need to have a slightly different balance... for me, balance comes first, working non-stop is simply not healthy.

This is the time of year to be outdoors, walking in the woods, having a picnic or canoeing the inlet! Friends are calling to meet for a barbeque, beer and laugh together. Nurturing our souls, our bodies and our friendships are key ingredients to life balance.

Thankfully, our westcoast Canada summer season is fairly long compared to many other world regions... but still, time moves on quickly if we're not aware and setting priorities. Taking leisure time, balanced with other responsibilities is important for life.

So I ask, how are you doing in this regard?

Frankly, if you're working like a dog (I wonder where this expression ever came from?) just keeping your head above water, it's time to step back and evaluate! In order to create a nurturing summer experience for yourself and your family;

• What are the aspects of life and work that you could slow down for now?
• What activities or commitments could you graciously decline?
  
• Who could you call in to get some help from?
• How can you delegate some of your responsibilities?
  
• Are you looking after yourself, and if not, how can you make even a slight improvement?

We've already had our longest day of the year, from here they begin shortening gradually. Now is the time to catch the spirit of summer and do some things to recharge your batteries, even if they're close to home and in the evenings after your work!

Having come through an intensely busy ten days with serious studying, I am about to take my own advice and will away for a three-day camping trip with my darling Richard and several of our close friends. We're off to explore the beautiful area at the farthest tip of the Trans-Canada highway, a small community called Lund, B.C. I look forward to talking with you when I get back!

Now, put those papers, the rake or dishes down and, like me, go and have some fun! It's summer!

There are festivals, like in this photo,
there are parks,
there are picnics,
there are bike rides,
there are musical celebrations, etc.
to enjoy in your community!

Get out and seek balance... instead of wishing you could have it!

(C) Photo by Carolyn Clarke, all rights reserved.

Warmly, Carolyn

See many of my other images at www.cafepress.com/earthimages