As a busy woman, one of the best gifts you can give yourself is time alone… time to ask your questions and time to listen to the answers. We are women who run… always. Rain, shine, sleet, or snow. We are told to take time for ourselves. But do we? There’s never enough time, and frankly, if we do, the guilt kicks in and soon we are on to the next activity. Technology does not help. We think we are present – listening to the conversation in front of us or playing a game with our children. Instead we are trying to capture the moments in photos, in video, through texting, face booking.
Well, it’s just not right and we all know it. I always say I’m going to jump off the tread mill, but I never do… until recently. After many years of working seemingly non-stop I decided to save my sanity. A mini vacation. I coordinated rides for three children and their activities, meals and soccer games. I paid bills, washed laundry, cleaned the house, and cut the grass. Very Thelma & Louise!
I traveled alone to the city by the bay – a place I once called home. I stayed in a beautiful hotel with all the amenities. An indulgence to say the least! I plugged in my laptop and charged my phone. I took in the sites, hiked the hills, snapped photos and micro managed my family from 3,000 miles via text and calls. Life was good. Soon, it got better. I slept for more than 3 hours in a row, I forced myself to stay in bed, ordered coffee and I didn’t turn on the tv. It was happening… dolce far niente! (my favorite italian expression meaning: pleasant idleness. Literally – sweet doing nothing).
A scenic drive up route 1 on my way to wine country brought me to Stinson Beach for a quick pic-nic. A warm sunny afternoon, a cold bottle of Reisling and people watching lulled me into dream land. After witnessing the most spectacular sun set I let go of the idea of reaching wine country and headed back to the city. Soon a cozy restaurant on the side of the road begged to be investigated. I had a delicious meal and laughed with some new friends.
The next day I hiked over the golden gate bridge into the Marin Headlands. Parks were closed because of the Government shut down – at first a disappointment but soon an asset. No cars – only bikers and walkers. By the time I was far above the city it was a very surreal experience. I could see the cars, the city, the bridge, the hustling and bustling traffic, but the only sounds I could hear were bikers whizzing down the hills and mother natures warm wind. I had done it! Twenty four hours without technology and now a clear mind. I was in the moment. Looking in my back pack for some water and a healthy snack after a long hike, with no agenda and no plan – I found only a bottle of wine (thankfully screw top) and a bag of peanut M&M’s. Heaven! I had officially mastered the art of dolce far niente!
Keep Running…but don’t forget to stop and smell the roses
-kyra