Taking Time Out For Yourself

So, another weekend is already upon us; alas, it will be a busy one for me. Two weeks have passed so, as you probably know already,  it will be a day of shopping and cooking on Saturday and then comes the recuperating on Sunday. I once was like the ever-ready battery...I kept going, and going, and going, but as I have grown older, I've learned that I need to find and take that time to replenish.  Yes, today I am the complete opposite of when I was in my youth. Taking time out always seemed like a waste of time-when I has so many things to do.  

There was always one more thing to finish, one more thing to do, then we'll just start this project, then we look up at the calendar and see that we have an appointment this afternoon and promised to go to dinner with someone tomorrow. There were always routine things to do around the house.  Beds need to be made every morning nor does the dust stop collecting. The bathroom had to be cleaned, and it seemed there was a hamper full of dirty clothes...and I have always worked full time.  

But, there comes a point in life when one needs to learn how to relax, even if it's something you have to schedule.  Knowing when to take time out is almost as important as taking a time out!  Our body lets us know that it is time for us to slow down and nourish our body and soul.  Working around the clock, over-scheduling yourself and doing everything on the run is not healthy. Take some time to enjoy life a little. Believe me, it goes by so fast. 

May you all have a blessed and restful weekend. 

Oh, Great Spirit

Whose voice I hear in the winds,
And whose breath gives life to all the world,
hear me, I am small and weak,
I need your strength and wisdom.
Let me walk in beauty and make my eyes ever behold
the red and purple sunset.
Make my hands respect the things you have
made and my ears sharp to hear your voice.
Make me wise so that I may understand the things
you have taught my people.
Let me learn the lessons you have
hidden in every leaf and rock.

I seek strength, not to be greater than my brother,
but to fight my greatest enemy - myself.
Make me always ready to come to you
with clean hands and straight eyes.
So when life fades, as the fading sunset,
my Spirit may come to you without shame.

(translated by Lakota Sioux Chief Yellow Lark in 1887) published in Native American Prayers - by the Episcopal Church.