As many of you know, I’ve been away this week in the small town I grew up in visiting family. I returned to a small town that had grown (a 1500 population increase and a Walgreens! – it’s a little crazy around here). It took time to adjust this week. Here are the lessons I learned at my home away from home (that used to, of course, be my home):
Slow down. My first two days here I had road rage and pedestrian rage (or is it sidewalk rage?). On day 3, I started slowing down without even trying. I spent more time looking around and taking it all in. Besides, how can you see if you know someone if you’re racing past them? As one of my high school friends, who drove a big truck, would say, “Drive like you got no place to go and all the time in the world to get there.” You’ll arrive soon enough.
Disconnect technology. All week my smart phone has been touch and go and it hasn’t been a bad thing. Internet is there sometimes, so I’ve had to seek other sources of connection and entertainment. As a bonus, not having a phone buzz or beep every minute has been more calming and relaxing. For the first time since I graduated acupuncture school, I’ve had time to read a book for fun. (Let’s pretend my smart phone didn’t hear that!)
Take in the outdoors. With little technology, I’ve been spending more time outside. Walking around barefoot, sitting on the grass, cloud watching. It’s amazing what a little nature can do for your well-being.
Watch a movie in the sky. I look forward to seeing stars every time I come back here. I miss them in Chicago which has some of the worst light pollution in the nation. I see them there about 3-4 times a week, but here I see them every night. Twinkly and glowing, they’re Mother Nature’s form of a movie from the Redbox.
Today marks the end of my stay here and although these tips are handy, the true test will be when I return to Oak Park. This next week after I return, I pledge to slow down and check my phone less than 10 times/day. Are you willing to add one of these to your routine for a week? Please let me know which ones you’re going to do and we’ll see next Friday how everybody did. Good luck and see you soon in Oak Park!