Need a Vacation?

I've been going round and round with myself lately, wanting to escape to a mountain cabin retreat for a few days' or weeks' vacation. But then I ask myself why I want to go, and what I'd do there that I can't do at home. The purpose of such a trip would be to shake myself out of a rut, but maybe I can do that without leaving. I'm thinking about

• Getting up insanely early to read, do yoga, write, and maybe watch sunrises.
• Spending mornings in quiet reflection, writing, and meditation.
• Taking naps (which would be necessary if I got up insanely early).
• Doing housework in tiny bits so that it seems the house just stays clean (one of the best things about vacations is no housework!).
• Spending more time outdoors.

Fortunately, I like my home, so if I can shake myself out of this rut without leaving, all the better.

Music As Your Morning Muse

I like to put on a CD (yes, I still use them) in the morning while I'm having breakfast and coffee. It is, surprisingly, a difficult habit to get into, for one so pleasant. I mean, what better way to wake up than with something that makes your heart smile?

This morning's selection is The Indigo Girls, which harks back to my college days. Sometimes I listen to Bach, sometimes Billy Joel, sometimes Paul Simon - there's quite a long list. But I always choose something easy on my not-quite-awake ears that will also help set a positive tone for my day. Somehow, I always seem to take what I need from whatever I'm listening to.

This morning's theme seems to be "seize the day." Life is too short to live halfway or give less than your best and most sincere self.

So I'm "Not content to bow and bend to the whims of culture, that swoop like vultures," and I'm reminded that "Nobody gets a lifetime rehearsal, as specks of dust, we're universal."

Today is the day.

Make it a great one.