Friday, April 29, 2011

t r a n q u i l i t y

peaceful images

You know that feeling you sometimes get in life where you realize you haven't breathed in a while?  Where you become aware of the fact that maybe things have become a little too complicated or intense, or that you've been overwhelmed for a while but have continued to motivate yourself to keep going (until you hit a wall of exhaustion that you just can't fight)?


Yesterday I had that moment where I was forced to accept the fact that I need some downtime.  Admittedly, I've had a lot going on lately, between Bubby dog's illness (update on that below), Robbie's dear friend's passing, the madness of owning three businesses, wedding planning (which has been put on the back burner until everything else slows down), and lots of other random bits of mayhem.  I haven't slept much, have been forgetting to eat, and have skipped more showers than I care to admit.  In short, I've become a little overwhelmed.  I've has this lifelong tendency to push myself to work harder, go further, do more; and that's just me.  Eventually though, the stress snowballs, and I have to surrender to the flow.

relaxing picnic
tibetan prayers flags

As difficult as these moments are, there is some "beauty in the breakdown."  These are the times where we're forced to remember how important it is to take care of ourselves, slow down, and make time for calm.  It's all too easy for me to forget how to relax, and these moments become my reminders.  So I decided that the first thing I needed to do was look at lots of pretty pictures that would evoke feelings of tranquility, and then take a long, hot bath.  As simple as it sounds, it made a big difference, and today, I'm breathing a little more easily.

let it be
peaceful images

I'm sure many of you can relate to these moments where accumulated stress takes over, so I hope these images bring some tranquility to your day as well.  I made a promise to myself to visit this post and meditate on these pictures several times today, just for that gentle reminder to breathe and let go.

So far, my sweet boy is doing really well.  His vet called yesterday to check in and was really (pleasantly) surprised that he's in such great shape a week after his collapse. We've continued to spoil him rotten, have been cooking his meals, giving him supplements, and showering him with love. When I see him acting so "normal," I almost forget that he's terminally ill, which is both good and bad I suppose.  I'm grateful for everyday I get to spend with him. I'm also grateful for the amazing outpouring of love and support I've received from my readers. You guys are the best!  I'll be sure to continue to keep you updated.


I'm wishing you all a lovely, peaceful, relaxing day.





Image sources from top:
here, here, here, here, here, here, here, & here.


P.S.
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10 comments:

  1. I'm sorry to hear you've been having a difficult time but good on you for knowing your limits and when to slow down :)

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  2. I think there is a wave of 'keep calm and carry on' spreading through to everyone. Your photo choices are so tranquil. They really give you that sense of slowing time down for a moment or two to take in the beauty of life and repose. Thanks for the breather!

    Megan K.

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  3. I know exactly what you mean ans I've been feeling it too!! So thank you for such serene photos and calming words!! Very heartfelt post. I'm so glad Bubby is doing ok so far. Sending him lots of love!!

    Jess

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  4. I'm so glad you were in tune enough to know when to stop and breathe.
    Thanks for all the beauty you've packed into this post.
    Cheers!

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  5. Really beautiful post Melissa. I needed this today. Thank you!!

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  6. thanks for the gorgeous photos....sure hope your little doggie gets better...have a awesome weekend!

    enjoy *~*

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  7. I also posted pretty photos on my blog today, for much the same reason. I've been going from one project to the next with little time to reflect in between, and it's exhausting. I've also gotten into weird sleeping habits lately and that hasn't helped either. I'm going to try to remind myself this weekend to take time to breathe and to take care of myself. Hope you have a restful, relaxing, and reenergizing weekend. xo, Mary

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  8. Thanks for your comments everyone! I slept late today (Mary, I've have weird sleeping habits too, never getting to bed before 4 AM!), and took off most of the day to enjoy the weather. Definitely a much needed break, even if that means skipping a fun Friday night to catch up on work. I've found that when I get into these patterns of feeling overwhelmed, stopping to stretch and take a few deep breaths every 30 minutes or so helps quite a bit. And looking at beautiful, tranquil pictures always resets my brain too. I hope you are all having calm, peaceful days. :)

    xo,
    m

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  9. I'm printing this post out and taping it up in my office. :) Beautiful and inspiring.

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  10. Very meaningful post. Never heard of "beauty in the breakdown". Your other posts about your dog really touched my heart. I hope you have many more wonderful days with him.

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