Give Yourself A Break
I hear the distant whining of horses, the voices of people, probably at a construction site not far off, and the faint sound of a lawn mower, not more than a few hundred meters from me. I sip my morning coffee and sit back on the reclining chair, resting my feet on the low porch rail, and my eyes three-quarters closed as I imbibe the celestial bliss. After what could have been several minutes, perhaps even one hour, I open my eyes, lazily. They feast on the lush green surrounding the hermitage before quickly darting to the right of the garden, just in time to catch a glimpse of the beetle lurking around a beautiful passionflower. I get back to my book as the cool of the morning starts to give way to the warmth of the shining sun.
This is the base from where I have received inspiration and made some life and business decisions since I was first introduced to it many years ago. Behind the double iron gates, visible after two kilometers of a lonely and rugged drive from the main road, are breathtaking views of the beautiful gardens and an awe-inspiring walk through the complete story of Christ, as narrated by the unique collection of giant-size mosaic sculptures. These treasures still take my breath away, even after my countless visits.
On this occasion, as I reconnect with myself, God and nature, it dawns on me how much, over the last couple of months, I have neglected the most-valuable asset I possess: me. I have hurtled through life at a fast and furious pace, rushing to I don’t know where. And now, in a calm and tranquil moment, I am no longer consumed by the thoughts of yesterday and what would have been. Nor am I overly burdened by the here and now and what’s not working as it should. Instead, my sixth sense awakens. Hope gets restored. The inner being starts to regenerate, and I feel renewed. I start to make memories of tomorrow, a better tomorrow. Just as good since I can neither change my yesterday nor buy it back. But the power to model a more beautiful future lies squarely in my hands.
Have you considered that it is possible to forge a more resilient self by taking regular breaks from your stressful situations? It isn’t running away, rather; it’s a way of renewing yourself so that you can spring back more effectively. Give yourself a break.
Copyright ©2014 David Waweru
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