Maine… and peace.

A few things occurred to me this morning, one of which was that I needed to tell you that our trip to Maine was as wonderful as expected and a much-needed chance to breathe (especially for Keith).

For the first time in a long time, he wasn’t constantly on the phone guiding someone through repairing their own equipment in his absence, fielding calls from impatient folks who want him “right now”, and walking techs through difficult repairs. A few little things popped up, but his time was not monopolized by a phone and a service company and stress. He was fully present with his family, and we loved having him WITH us.

We ate lobster and chowder every, single chance we got. Our lighthouse cruise was glorious…and a little chilly which made it even better. At night, we got to sit out and see the stars above amidst the sounds of the woods surrounding us, and in the mornings, we woke up later than normal in comfy beds to 50-degree temps, windows promptly raised.

The other things that occurred to me?

Being fully present is everything. Our lives should be designed and lived such that we can be present in a given moment without outside demands or distractions.

My family loves to travel, and we need it. I will never take it for granted, and I pray that we are always able.

Normalizing a more leisurely, peaceful lifestyle starts with us. Not only do we have to make it happen for ourselves and our own families, we MUST NOT be so demanding of others that we inhibit or negatively influence another person’s ability to live a peaceful, leisurely life, too.

I will forever be mindful of how I treat clerks, cashiers, drivers, wait staff, small business owners, coaches/teachers, those who work for me, and any other person out in the world to make sure I’m not putting undue pressure on them to jump through ridiculous hoops to meet crazy demands. We teach people how to treat us, yet we impose upon people sometimes, too, and that just perpetuates the cycle of people-pleasing and stress.

Hope you have a great day today. Be reminded that you don’t have to travel to faraway places to unwind or unplug. Take some time for yourself and your family in your own area, in your own house, or in your own backyard. And be the peace you wish was more plentiful in the world.