This week’s theme is “reflections.” While I’m sure the idea was supposed to be about physical reflections in mirrors, puddles and so forth, this week I had the opportunity to do some personal reflecting…
Being a one-person business working out of her home, it’s hard to take a break. I feel guilty telling my clients that I’m not going to be around. And even when I do take a vacation, I find that I can’t leave my computer at home and I make myself available to take care of projects.
About a month ago, Greg (the hubby) decided he needed a vacation and I know he could tell that I did, too. He booked us a cabin in Big Bear at Cienaga Creek Ranch — without asking me, of course, because he knew my answer would be, “I can’t!” Our cabin sat in the woods on 10 acres all by itself. It was pet-friendly and leash-free. It had a wood-burning stove. There was no cable, no land-line phone, no cell phone coverage, and certainly no internet. In other words, it was PERFECT.
Greg, Roxy, and I headed up there this past Sunday and returned on Wednesday. Being “forced” to disconnect from technology allowed me to unwind, to relax, and reflect on what’s important. I love my work and I love my clients, but I often forget that I need to take some time away from it all to lighten up, play, and recharge that internal battery of mine. I need to take the time to relax. I need to take time to throw a stick or a ball for Roxy. I need to take time to do the things that make me happiest… and I need to do them more often.
This was the great cabin we stayed in. When we arrived, we found a personalized note welcoming us along with fresh baked cinnamon rolls smothered in frosting. The owners delivered a different fresh baked goody each day. Oh, do they know the way to my heart.
Our first night there, Greg, Roxy, and I went outside to look at the stars. There was no ambient light from nearby houses and we couldn’t get over just how many stars there are in the sky. This was a key moment of personal reflection for me: with as big as the universe is, I think tiny-little-me can take a break sometimes without the world coming to a screeching halt.
On Tuesday, we went hiking. It was a gorgeous day and being out in the crisp mountain air did me good. We even saw a bear track in the snow!
But out of all the memories from this trip, Roxy playing in the snow was by far the best. She is happiest outside, hiking, chasing sticks, and running after small critters. I believe she is a true reflection of me: I love being outside in nature, I love hiking, I love listening to the birds, and I love the warmth of the sun on a crisp day… but most of all, I love doing all those things with my puppy by my side.
Now it’s time to head on over to Cynthia Wood’s blog and see what she came up with for the “reflections” theme! Don’t forget to follow the blog ring all the way around until you end up back here!
