Late yesterday morning I had an opportunity to sit outside for a few minutes while having a cup of tea. I was in desperate need of a break and this was my chance; so I took it. My little guy had just gone down for a nap and although I had many things to do I decided the first thing I needed was a cup of tea. It was a cool day but the sun was bright and beautiful and I threw on a sweatshirt and went outside. I decided that my “break” was going to last as long as my tea did.
As I sat there I saw a neighbor smoking a cigar, another one walking her dog, two birds playing in the air, and a bee trying to decide how well it wanted to get to know me. (Thankfully, not well) The past few days my head has just been spinning in different directions and I felt it was time to try to let go of some of the stress. I decided to think of one of my favorite places – my grandparents camp up north. It wasn’t long before I could hear the sound of the waves crashing up against the dock, or that I could smell the crisp air with campfire trickling through it. I started to begin to relax. It was evident because my shoulders ached from the stress they were holding and I actually noticed the sun that warmed my face. I allowed myself to revisit some memories from up north and it felt good. It even felt good to remember some not so easy times when a trip up north gave me the peace I needed to rebuild my strength.
Do you have a place to escape? Whether it be a favorite place away, somewhere close by or even a room in your home? When was the last time you took the time to go there? Allow yourself the time to. Relax, unwind, breathe.
Those who dream by day are cognizant of many things that escape those who dream only at night. ~Edgar Allan Poe
aplaceforthoughts.wordpress.com 
I have never tried dreaming like that to relieve some stress, but you’ve inspired me to try it! I hope your stresses are gone. Remember to always take some time for yourself!!
Thanks, Ashley! You’ll have to let me know if try it and how it works for you!
My parents have a house at Lake Gaston. It’s on the North Carolina Virginia border. They have had it since I was young. I can literally feel my stress level go down the moment we pull up that gravel driveway. It’s such a blessing to have.
It’s been so hard to get there lately, even though it is only an hour and half away. It seems my life has kicked into high gear. I can’t wait until we can get there and unwind.
Thanks for sharing!
Jessica
Walking the Land
http://jessicanfamily.blogspot.com
Can I come? 😉
Love this post! I’ve been doing a lot of breathing lately because I’ve been so busy! I do it everywhere. If I can’t sleep I use deep breathing to fall asleep…breathe in peace, breath out anxiety. But school is almost over for me (as a teacher) and for my kids. Life will be easier and I’ll be able “to breathe” more easily! Ha Ha!
You must be looking forward to summer, Betsy! 🙂
I want to come sit and sip tea with you!! 🙂
♥ Michelle
Awh! That would be fun! 🙂
My greatest escape is working in my garden, pulling weeds and thinning veggies and dreaming about the day that we own a real farm. It makes for peaceful imagining, even if it’s a place I’ve never been!
I can see how it would! I hope that this day comes to you before you know it!