A change of pace

I don’t think I need to tell anyone that life is down right hard.  It’s tough.  And, the nitty gritty can really get you down.  Some days are just harder than others.  All in all, we get by and usually say somewhere along the way that life is good.

Those of us who have lived a few years know the value of treating yourself to a little spur of the moment indulgence from time to time. It can be as simple as pulling into Sonic or Dairy Queen for one of those ice cream things with the decadent ingredients within.  Or buying an inexpensive bracelet or necklace on impulse. It doesn’t have to be anything big, just something that unexpectedly brightens your day.

I’ve found that having something to look forward to can be a real boost, too.  Anticipating the event is often as uplifting as the actual event.  For example sometimes during the early work day morning I decide to forgo the usual lunch of fruit, vegetables, and other healthy foods and instead plan a lunch trip to a nearby Mexican restaurant.  The morning goes a little easier while I look forward to my lunch outing.  It doesn’t matter if the event is big or small, looking forward to something gives my spirit a lift.

Unintentionally this week I discovered another way to have a mood change.  Since I got my smart phone several years ago I’ve used a picture of one of the cats of dogs for the background picture on the home screen.  This week as I scrolled through the pictures on the phone I decided it was time for a change.

I selected this picture made on my recent drive along the Natchez Trace.  Now every time I push the phone on I’m greeted with this scene from a place I love.  I immediately feel a happy boost when I seen the blue sky, green trees and the road curving ahead with the familiar brown marker along the roadside.  In a brief instance I remember the many times I’ve travelled along the Trace and how much I enjoy it’s solitude and beauty. I also think of the September afternoon that Bentley and I spent an enjoyable exploring the Trace and sitting by the Pear River for a while. It also reminds me of how much I love road trips.

So, the next time life is wearing you a little thin give yourself a little treat, plan something to look forward to, or just change something that you wouldn’t think of changing.  All you need is just a little change of pace, something out of the ordinary.