• About the Author
  • Disclosure Policy
  • Share kindly, with truth
  • Miscarriage & Infertility: Help & Hope

Taking a Sad Song, Making it Better

~ Discovering joy amid pain

Taking a Sad Song, Making it Better

Tag Archives: Relaxation

Thankfulness for Tiny Breaks

16 Thursday Nov 2017

Posted by purdywords in 30 Days of Thanks, 30 Days of Thanksgiving, Birthdays, Blessings, Intentional Living, Lifelong friends, New Year New You, Peace, Personal health, Perspective, Rest, Simple Living, Simplicity, Thankfulness

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

#30DaysofThanks, 30 Days of Thanks, Birthdays, Gifts, Life lessons, Peace, Personal growth, Perspective, Relaxation, Rest and Rejuvenation, Simplicity, Slowing down

“Rest and be thankful.” ~ William Wordsworth

 

Three days ago, I had the pleasure of celebrating another 40-something birthday for which I am glad. My husband and children showered me with their love and attention, and I was thrilled to be surprised by a few handwritten cards in the mail from dear friends. To myself, I gave the gift of a deliberately slow week, taking my time through the most important tasks, letting the non-essentials go, moving away from the computer screen, cutting myself some slack, and indulging in some overdo self-care. I’m grateful to be more self-aware this year than I have ever been in the past, and that I honored this newfound truth on my birthday. Permission to rest may be the perfect gift one can give to thyself.  

 

Take rest; a field that has rested gives a bountiful crop. ~ Ovid

 

A Mother’s Reflection on Rest and Rejuvenation

01 Tuesday Oct 2013

Posted by purdywords in Blessings, Mothers & Daughters, Peace, Personal health, Siblings/Sisters, Travel, Uncategorized, Writing

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

Martha's Vineyard, Relaxation, Vacation

“What is the scent of water?”
“Renewal. The goodness of God coming down like dew.”
― Elizabeth Goudge, The Scent of Water

 

An excerpt from my journal, dated September 16, 2013:

Soon, I head out on a much-needed vacation that was masterminded by none other than my mother. She and I, along with my two sisters will be on an early morning flight tomorrow. And in less than two hours from our departure point, we will land in the city I love so dearly. After gathering our small amount of belongings, I will rent a compact car, and together, we will travel south to the lower peninsula of the state. After filling ourselves with a nutritious and indulgent meal and quite possibly some lattes and dessert, we will board a ferry-boat headed for a notoriously quaint and hip island.  Once the 45-minute sea voyage has ended, we will disembark from the lower deck of the passage boat and find ourselves, a mere 3.1 miles from port, embarking upon the final destination of our journey–and to a home that we will claim all for ourselves during the next five days and four nights before us.

On this north-eastern island, I have no plans except to spend overdue quality time with my mother and sisters and find a way to relax and reinvigorate myself, rejuvenate my health, and recharge my inner-battery. During this time, I will write and read, walk and partake in a yoga class or two, visit bookstores and island shops, perhaps indulge in a deep tissue massage or facial, go sight-seeing through all the touristy island haunts, photograph what catches my eye, subsist on fresh seafood and seasonal fruits and veggies. And dare I say it? Sleep in. However lofty my vacation plans, the only truly important goal I hold for myself this week is to come back home a noticeably calmer version of myself.

Am I blessed beyond compare that I can take a half-week to just be still? To spend whole hours in solitude in order to find a way back to myself? To know that I deserve this time to be alone, but in the company of my kin? Absolutely. And I eagerly anticipate getting there, backed only by the comforting notion that this mini-vacation is coming true only by the multitude of sacrifices of my husband, children, and especially, my mom.   

 ~ 

Stay tuned as I “write the island” in my forthcoming blog posts. Until then, I would love to read your comments. And, I am curious to know:

Have you ever visited Martha’s Vineyard? If so, what was your most treasured memory of the island?  If you haven’t been to Martha’s Vineyard, tell me then, where have you vacationed to purposefully recharge yourself? Also, what are some ways that you reinvigorate your mind, body, and spirit throughout the year when a vacation isn’t possible? 

  • purdywords
    • 30 Days of Thanks, November 2020
    • How to Give Without Giving Yourself Away
    • Raising Awareness About Miscarriage & Pregnancy Loss

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 547 other followers

Archives

  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • March 2020
  • March 2019
  • November 2018
  • April 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • September 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • July 2014
  • March 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013

Goodreads: Reading Pile

Goodreads: Reading Wishlist

My Writing Cloud

30 Days of Thanks 30 Days of Thanksgiving Blessings Change Forgiveness Infertility Inspiration Intentional Living Love Memories Miscarriage Motherhood Mothers & Daughters National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Month Parenting Past Peace Personal Challenges Personal health Perspective Prayer Prayers Seasons Simple Living Simplicity Stress & Anxiety Suffering Thankfulness Tough days Writing

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Join 547 other followers

What I Write About

Blog Stats

  • 8,351 hits

Website Powered by WordPress.com.

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy