Got Oxygen?

Last night we had Cynthia Beach speak for us on Leisure Wellness. She asked us if we were sitting on a plane and we had a child next to us and the oxygen masks came down, whose mask would we put on first? We answered "Ours because then we would be able to take care of the child." She agreed and then asked if we take time for ourselves to rest and relax so we can take care of our families or others in our life.

She described Leisure Wellness as "a prescription for re-invigorating one's leisure hours with passion and purpose." She asked us to resist feeling guilty about doing nothing during free time. When was the last time you had a few minutes to yourself and you did nothing? Try it, it may adjust how the rest of your day goes. No chores, no phone calls, no bill paying, no e-mail answering.

She encouraged us to think about things we may have always dreamed of doing and make a list of those. Then, think about the ones that are an Involved Practice in which would take several steps to accomplish, like her trip to Florida to swim with the Manatee's. Then think about ones that are a Simple Practice that may take one step to accomplish like having a date at the coffee shop with a friend. Choose one and make an effort to do it!

She gave us a lot to think about and so many ideas of how we can take time for ourselves. Choose not to feel guilty when you choose rest.

Next week, we'll have Pastor Rich talk about "Tending to Yourself" and we'll have some discussion time as well. See you next week!