The mark of a successful man is one that has spent an entire day on the bank of a river without feeling guilty about it. ~Author Unknown
Outdoors the clouds roll overhead
Racing one another to a destination unknown.
Trees bow; wildlife seeks shelter against the tempest.
Inside, one’s emotions toss about
Like a dinghy caught in a blustery sea.
As our to-do list swells, the hours of daylight shrink.
We know we must rest, debrief, kick back
If we’re to have strength for the tasks ahead.
Why, then, are we so reluctant to do as we ought?
From youth, we’re ingrained in busyness.
Productivity, activity, restlessness.
An idle mind is the devil’s workshop and all that.
We race about trying to prove we’re accomplishing something,
Warding off the evils of idleness and sloth,
While tempting Fate to substitute ill health and exhaustion.
Maybe more of us need a river bank or park bench,
A place of solitude and rest for mind and body.
Stolen time to recharge, energize, restore, renew.
I crowded far too many tasks into Yesterday. Today is now demanding music, chocolate truffles, and sporadic dancing, as compensation. ~Dr. SunWolf
Note: Along with the good doctor above, I’m going to take a few days’ break. Maybe even a week! It’s time for Fourth of July, a visit with Domer, and some much-needed “Debbie-time.” I’ll be back (don’t forget me!)
Musings by an ND Domer's Mom 
Oh, but how could we forget you, Debbie?! Never possible. In fact, I shall think of you at every river bank I laze. Which I hope will be several as the weather and my mind calls out for such a thing. Enjoy your well-deserved R&R and much love to Domer and all!
Ah, thank you, Lucy. ‘Tis much appreciated, you know. And I hope you find lots of lazy rivers to explore and enjoy!
Lovely and we all need a break now and then. Enjoy yours in every way!
Thanks so much, Beth Ann. It’s tough for a workaholic to stop and smell the roses, but something tells me I’d better learn how, ha!
Enjoy your holiday. I hope it’s wholly enjoyable — and that you have perfect weather!
Thank you, Linda. It’s supposed to be HOT. And humid. But we’re blessed to have air conditioning! I think Domer might want to do some golfing, and I want to do some shopping!
Debbie, I love the quotes you shared at the top and bottom of this post. A-men to both of them!
Every word you expressed in this post is so spot on! Two years ago when I was in the hospital for two weeks, very ill, was when I realized the importance of taking time to (as you said) recharge, energize, restore, renew. As sick as I was, that time in which I forced to actually do nothing except rest and get well, taught me a lot.
Like you, I like to stay productive and active. However, I now release the importance of “Ron-time” because without it, I can’t be “as” productive when I need to be.
Take all the time you need, my friend. We’ll all be here when you return.
Happy 4th of July to you, Domer, and Dallas!
X
Bless you for saying that, Ron. You’re the “voice of experience” when it comes to the necessity of rest and renewal. It’s not easy to stop and take time for ourselves — somehow, we feel we’re coming across as selfish. But that’s just what we need to do periodically. After all, if we don’t take care of ourselves, who will?? Have a lovely Fourth, and I’ll talk to you soon! xo
So true! Took me years to stop feeling guilty any time I was idle and it still happens from time to time. Have a great break filled with laughter and chocolate. 😀
Thanks for understanding, FF. I, too, hate admitting I need more “Debbie-time” than I get! And too often, I find myself all frazzled before I actually realize that. “Laughter and chocolate” sounds like just what the doctor *should* have ordered, ha!!
Enjoy your time with Domer. No, we won’t forget you.
Thanks, John!
😀
Get some good R and R. Hope you get some good me time….and family time. Happy 4th! God bless America!!!
Thank you, Tanya!
This is so ture. We need to take time just to be.
We do indeed, Pat!