RELAX

This word can be thought of as a noun, a place. There are certain people, certain settings and things that lead me down the path to "relax". It can also be a verb, meaning to slow down, chill, I will blog about both.

I can think of two places in general...the MOUNTAINS and the BEACH that bring relaxation to my life. What is it about the mountains? (I have previously blogged about the cabin in Greer, located in the White Mountains of Arizona.) Is it the green, green trees and meadows, the wild flowers in August, the soothing brooks and streams (that we love to hike along and throw in a fishing line now and then), or is it the clear blue crisp air? Perhaps its a combination of all of these, away from the city and busy schedules and specifically, at least for many years...away from the phone. Blast those cell phones.

The ocean aka "the beach".... I'm hooked, so is Gary and I'm realizing that this addiction spreads throughout our children as well. Sitting in our beach chairs, toes in the sand, cool breeze, with the lulling sound of seagulls, combined with waves rolling in and breaking on the shore...result....relax. I forgot to mention yummy food....that helps too! For over 25 years the extended Rogers family has met every summer for a week of strictly sand, surf and sunshine, we always come home from this reunion rested, relaxed and real tan!

The fact of the matter is, as much as I love going to the cabin, we spend half a day cleaning and closing it up when we leave. As much as the Rogers' trip to the beach is ingrained in our lives as a family tradition, I failed to mention that we are camping the entire week....need I say more?

We have cruised the Caribbean as well as the Mediterranean and as much as a cruise is luxurious and you are treated like a special guest, the schedule of touring and excursions can be exhausting...we seem to arrive home overfed and tired! There was a week in 2005 that Gary and I stayed at the Kaanapali Hyatt on the island Maui. This trip was the perfect balance of a little business, (so the trip was paid for), along with lots of time to play, explore and what's that word...relax! The crazy thing is...when you're on a trip like that how often do you think to yourselves...."the kids would LOVE this".

Speaking of kids...I have one in particular that is very intense! She sat on our kitchen counter as a junior in high school, talking to her Dad and me (all worked up) about what she was going to do as a career....for the rest of her life. Really? Who's child is this?? How many times has she called home from college, wound up so tight, that all you could say is RELAX!!! Her response is, either you worry about this stuff or you're one of those people who just throws up their hands and doesn't care....no, this is where that word "balance" comes in. (I have to throw in this picture of Emily at college....does this picture symbolize that she has college by the tail - or that life is dragging her along whether she likes it or not??? I know she'll end up on top!)

So how do you relax when real life has you in its grip, when you are NOT away for a week in Hawaii? A couple of suggestions... hold a sleeping baby. It helps you to relax. Well, it helps Grandma's to relax, Mom's may not really do that for about eighteen years...or so? OR find a place in your very own house and read a book...(warm water and bubbles help)...it works for me!