Weekend Warrior

I used to pity "Weekend Warriors".  Because I worked from home and had a group of friends who were active every day of the week.  I never thought I'd be one of "them".  I always thought that I'd just intrinsically get outside into the sun and have recess regardless of where I was or who I was with.

I was wrong.

Since moving to LA six months ago, I haven't been surfing, yet - unless you count the internet.  I go to work and come home exhausted after 6pm.  I don't have a group of friends waiting at the boat dock for me to hop on-board and I don't have any buddies going to catch a set before or after work (at least, not yet).  

So, it's no wonder I've been feeling so blue.  I only average about 4 hours of sunlight a week, now.  

I got up Saturday morning and I cried.  I cried for all the friends and the memories we've made to this point.  I cried because I didn't have anyone here to meet up with or go play with - not even on the weekends.  I cried because I fear that part of my life has passed - and I don't want it to be that way.

Then, I put on my big girl panties - (okay, I really put on my bikini) and I went to the beach with my dog, Jack.  We walked the boardwalk - we got some sun - we even made friends with a homeless man named Puck.  Jack and I sat and talked with Puck for over an hour.  And, Puck said to me, "You look at that Ocean like it's a long lost lover....why?"  And, I told him the truth.  I told him how I used to surf and wakeboard and how I haven't been in the ocean for over 6 months.  And, once again - I was crying.  

He said, "Well, that's an easy fix...get out there!"

He's right.

Just because I don't have people calling me - doesn't mean I have to put my life on hold and wait for when they do.  I can do things to make myself happy - right now.

When I started this web-site - it was to encourage everyone to take at least 30 minutes a day to have "recess" - and at the time that was a really simple thing for me to do.

Now, I'm married and moved to a new town - and well....I probably don't have to tell you that before last Saturday - I don't know when the last time was that I had recess.

So, here I am : looking at the life I am currently living and I'm finding it lacking.

What it is lacking is my own attention to fun, laughter and JOY.  So, I'm writing this as a confessional - to admit that I haven't been taking care of me - and to share with you that I no longer want to live this "weekend warrior" lifestyle.  It may mean that I have to sacrifice some sleep.  It may mean that I have to do it alone, again - but, the truth is - I need to re-claim some fun for myself.

I need an extended recess - and I need to remember to observe it daily.

So, here's to putting yourself out there. 

Here's to setting goals and to making time for yourself.  

Feel free to hold me accountable.