The Importance of Takin’ It Easy

Have you ever played Super Mario Bros.? You know when those weird mushrooms with eyes, angry turtles, and crazy snapdragon plants are chasing Mario? And he tries to jump up and get whatever it is that comes in those shining, yellow boxes to help him, but doesn’t have the perfect spring in his step to get it?

Well, that’s how I’ve felt the past few weeks. I’ve been struggling to feel that shower of creative energy, even though I know it’s there. All the while, grappling with overwhelming feelings of lethargy, stress, anxiety, and guilt. It’s a vicious cycle that is making me dizzy.

I’ve felt like this plenty of times before, but this time, I’m trying something different.

I’m giving in to the feelings I’m having. I don’t know about you, but I absolutely cannot force my creativity, passion, or drive. I have plenty of it, which I am ever grateful, but sometimes it’s like you’re hoping for fireworks and all you can find is a sparkler. So, why be angry that all you have is a sparkler in this moment? Just play with it for a little bit!

Now, I have to mention, I’m not indulging these feelings, but I’m allowing them to happen and run their course. I am tired of fighting. Its time to burn them down, let the ashes settle, and then rise up a new, energized and more enlightened person. And what is one to do while they run their course?

Well, it’s time to take a break! And with that, also a brief reprieve from blogging this week (hoping to be back in the saddle come Friday for the Little Bliss List!). And what else is one to do when they’re in a state of allowance? Take a very impromptu road trip, by George!

I am happy to say, my sister and I are trekking to the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota for a few days.

It’s about reconnecting with the importance of now.

I’ve lost that importance. Even though I may not be feeling the best in this moment, as I encourage the unwanted feelings to pass, it doesn’t mean life has to stop.

Happiness is a rechargeable resource.

Happiness is omni present, waiting to be lit—some days it can be a bit dull, some days it sets you on fire—I call it my ‘internal pilot light of happiness‘. Everyone has a different way of lighting up their happiness, chi, joy, peace, heart…whatever you want to call it. And for me, one of the best ways I can achieve this is to hop on the road. It can be to anywhere, but where I best feed my heart and soul is on the western plains. And that is exactly what I’m going to do. I have free time, I have an awesome travel companion, and I have good intentions. So, I’m off to recharge my happiness.

Alright, bear with me folks, I have one more gosh-forsaken reference to The Eagles. I have woken up with these lyrics from their song, “Take It Easy” in my head the past seven days:

Don’t let the sound of your own wheels drive you crazy
Lighten up while you still can
Don’t even try to understand
Just find a place to make your stand, and take it easy

We may lose and we may win
though we will never be here again
so open up, I’m climbin’ in,
so take it easy

The song is speaking to me and I took it as a sign, to just be.

I’m not going to dissect the lyrics, but I know you can discern what they mean. I think a lot of people will be able to use this reminder too.

Do something today to allow yourself to take it easy, and remember the importance of now, good feelings, or bad, you’ll never be here again. Allow.

 

:: side note :: I will thoughtfully be posting brief updates and some photographic evidence that I’m really enjoying my time in the Black Hills on Facebook and Twitter. Much love to you all this week!