So much is going on out there. Often, it is completely overwhelming these days. Too much. Too fast. Too intense. I honestly cannot keep up anymore.
Am I getting older? Sure. But, I don’t think that is why it can be too much to bear. I think the world is just too much right now. Too much to process. Too much to understand.
It is so hard to stop trying to stay on top of everything. It has become second nature. But I can feel it taking its toll.
So, I woke up, didn’t listen to the news, didn’t check social media, and reached out to some friends who I wound up meeting for lunch. When I drove off to meet them, I didn’t turn on the radio or set up any kind of navigation. I just drove. I even avoided highways and drove the whole way on back roads.
As I watched the rolling hills, I kept finding myself humming What a Wonderful World…
I wasn’t seeing anything miraculous or amazing. I was just driving, watching the hills and rivers go by, and humming…
After a 40 minute drive, I arrived with a smile, and caught up with old friends over lunch. Good food, good conversation, good connections. Then hugs all around. And, back into the car, and off for home.
I meandered home on different roads as the sun edged lower in the late winter sky. I got out of the car and headed back into the house.
That’s really when I noticed the lack of weight that had accumulated upon me throughout the day. It was a simple, easy day, that I could definitely arrange to do more often.
So, this is me, just reminding you, that taking time out is important. And, more often than not, we need it — even if we think we don’t.