New year new decade

Awareness through downshifting

Often our first reaction to a stressful situation is to overcompensate and overwork to overcome whatever it is. Sometimes though, the best thing you can do it step away, take a breath, and come back to tackle the problem with a clear head. Replacing important things in your life with work only causes anxiety to build up--not to mention that it takes the joy out of life. Vacation does not have to mean physically leaving your everyday life and jet setting to the beach. Whatever relaxes you, brings more clarity, or calms your mind during times of stress can certainly be enough to rejuvenate! When logic tells you to quicken your pace and pile on the extra work, yet your heart is reminding you of the meaningful time you are neglecting with family, friends, and yourself, it's time to slow down. Often letting off on the gas for a period of time can compose and refocus your mind.

I can relate to that reflection. I guess I have been downshifting for a couple of days. I need to be sure I am ready to upshift again when I go back to work. I still don't feel 100% and it is nothing to do with being hungover because I am not. I didn't drink enough last night.I didnt eat or drink to excess last night. But I did find myself snacking for the sake of it so I can't really say I followed the rules that well.

I did get 20 minute sof exercise in tho which was an improvement on the day before. But I realised when I went to the supermarket that I really wasn't as dynamic as I normally am.

I am so glad this morning I dont have a raft of resolutions to start to try and keep. My reasonable goals for 2010 mean if I don't get to do as much exercise today as I would like I don't immediately have to start feeling guilty. I think the absence of guilt is the best thing about Paul's programme.

I have realised a frightening thing. When the next decade begins I will be really and properly retired. I will be nearly 70. I need to decide what I want my life to look life in 2020 and start working on it now.