Monday, October 17, 2011

Perspective


I just got back from a weekend getaway with a bunch of girlfriends.  It was fabulous on so many levels.
I've been a stay-at-home mom for almost 2 years now.  I really don't love the word "stay-at-home" mom. For one, it just sounds kind of boring (and being a SAHM is anything but boring).  Anyway, the point is I'm with my girls pretty much 24/7, which I LOVE and would not trade for anything in the whole wide world (except for maybe a top of the line Vita Mix blender, weekly massages and a car with automatic locks - just kidding, kind of).  But yes, I was looking forward to 48 hours of grown-up time and only shed a few (dozen) tears as I drove away.

It was a much needed time for me. At first I thought I just needed a break.  You know, sleep in, eat out, catch up on a year's worth of mindless magazines, laugh til my cheeks hurt, that kind of stuff.  And while I absolutely did all of that (except for the mindless magazines) the getaway ended up being so much more.

One night, sometime between red wine and a short-lived game of charades, I looked at each of the 6 women I was with and realized I didn't know any of them 2 years ago.  We didn't even live in the same state.  And there I was, sharing heartfelt stories about my past and present - joys and struggles, with women who so quickly went from strangers to friends.  For that, I am so thankful.

A bunch of us decided to go for a hike on Saturday.  It was 2 miles of straight incline (which then results in 2 miles of straight decline), but there's something about nature that just keeps you going - looking and moving forward.  Something about breathtaking beauty that inspires you to go the distance. The hike was definitely a challenge for me.  My hips and back hurt but I made it to the top, and boy does getting to "the top" mean more to me today than it ever did before.  I'm learning when it's okay to push myself and when I need to sit something out.  There are days when that decision is made for me, when my body goes on strike and doesn't give me the option.  But more often than not, I can choose how far to go and I don't ever take that decision for granted.

As we got closer to the top of the summit one word came to mind:  perspective.  Seriously, if perspective could be bought and sold the world would be a different place.  The ability to step back, see the big picture, sift through what matters and what doesn't, take a breath, clear your head, quiet the noise - it's a powerful thing.  I love how your circumstances can remain exactly the same but a simple shift in your thinking can change everything. I think I came down from that mountain a more patient mother, a more loving wife, an overall stronger woman.

I know we can't always escape for the weekend, but I've been reminded how important it is to step back.  Take an hour, go for a walk, drive to the ocean, sit near a stream, go somewhere and let the quiet re-calibrate you.  Perspective:  it changes everything.


Here's to more mountaintop moments,
Kim   

6 comments:

  1. Thefleamarket AshleyOctober 18, 2011 at 3:10 PM

    Love it! So true.

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  2. I love it. So beautiful & so much truth here. I'm so glad you got to do that.

    Oh, and I love the new blog header.

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  3. "I love how your circumstances can remain exactly the same but a simple shift in your thinking can change everything." That quote is going up on my office door. I love all of your blogs. I believe you touch everyone with your beautiful words. You have a gift. Love it and love you... Take care!

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  4. So beautifully written! I always "mother" after a break such as this. And honestly, an hour can do every bit as good as a full weekend away. You just have to be open to letting that shift in perspective to occur.

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  5. This is very well written! I am SO with you. My husband and I had a (rare) chance to go away for two nights last month, and I told him that if I could do that every month, I'd be the best mom in the world! ;)
    Perspective is a word that I think of often…You nailed it.
    Thanks and have a great day! (and i have an email coming your way soon too. ;)
    Aloha!
    monica (www.thegrommom.com)

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  6. Thanks, Monica! Happy Birthday to you!! :)

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