Respites
Blooms in the In-Between
Ivy F. DeShield, contributing editor
ivydeshield@gmail.com
Reflecting on the past days of this summer season, I must say that I’ve spent more time than usual in uncharted locales with the most excellent of company. It has been quite an eye-opener!
An artistic, self-directed person by nature, I have always found myself straying from the crowd to seek a break from the daily grind and a chance to enjoy the simple pleasures in life. Often, these experiences are referred to as taking a breather or stopping to smell the roses. Yet, no matter how such moments are categorized, I have always understood them to be the “be all and end all” ingredients of a harmonious and healthy existence.
For each of us, breathers are more or less frequent in relation to our families, careers, lifestyles, commitments, etc., and they are executed in various ways. From a simple, restful break in your work day or a walk through your garden to a spontaneous weekend getaway or a seven-day cruise, embrace the spaces in-between where the humdrum pauses and true living begins. These spaces are positive incidents in our lives, experiences that may not always be so easy to come by in our society of deadlines and demands but will nourish us for a lifetime. And there is no greater truth when I consider how I’ve stolen minutes, hours and days throughout this summer to devote to family, friends and ultimately, myself. There is no selfish intent or crime in getting to know you for the better; it will only improve your relations with others and yourself.
That being said, I return to musing on personal breathers I’ve taken this summer from an unprompted social hour with girlfriends; making new friends at a delightful garden party; listening to my sorority sister praise the Lord in song; a browse through one of my favorite consignment shops; morning coffee with my mother; and finally, to an after-hours city stroll and dinner last evening with my sister-in-law. The list goes on, as are the occasions to savor your experiences to the fullest and find the life inside of those singular moments. Open your mind and shut out the noise. In extreme cases, throw caution to the wind and take to the open road. Road trips are underrated in my opinion; there is nothing better than traveling along unexplored curves from one locale to the next. Set a destination or don’t; it’s the journey and time spent with another or yourself that counts. It makes all the difference.
I truly look forward to bringing you along as I visit both hidden and well-known gems of rest and relaxation in the local and surrounding area in future. In the meantime though, please allow me to leave you with this morsel. Reflect on your days as long as you live and take care to insure that the spaces in-between or the meaningful respites of your world are not altogether forgotten. It’s your life, so make the most of it. Let’s have a great summer! Blue skies...
