A Change of Scenery And Of Pace Can Do Wonders
Sometimes It Seems Difficult To Change
We are fortunate enough to live in the Blue Ridge Mountains. On any given day, a simple glance in almost any direction will lead to the conclusion I reflect on pretty well every day: this may be the most beautiful place on earth. At least it is in the top echelon of world beauty and majesty.
The fact that we live in such a fine area makes the idea of going somewhere else for a change of scenery not something that comes to mind all that easily. Besides, we all have our daily routines and obligations. The thought of stopping all that and going somewhere else sometimes seems like more trouble than it is worth.
But the reality is that we all need such a change from time to time and if our circumstances allow us to do so, we should make that change regularly and for long enough to get the effect of change.
A Change of Scenery is Important
Recently, we spent about a week at the beach, on the Atlantic coast. Long-time readers know that I love the mountains dearly and have never understood the attraction of laying on a hot beach, frying to a golden crisp. But a well planned trip to the shore is a fine thing, so different from my daily life that it merits the investment of time and resources.
My bride has pointed out to me that the ocean is not just large and deep, but has a personality, one that changes throughout the day and over time. Catching that personality and connecting with it in some way requires a good amount of time looking at it, feeling the breeze, watching the wildlife, smelling the salt air.
Sure enough, one comes to feel as though a connection with something mystical is offered. What a treat! Eventually, I came to think of the shore and the ocean not just as places but as partners ready to communicate back with me.
Equally Important, New Activities
Sacrifice that it was, we decided to cook not a single meal on this trip, but to eat every meal out and generally at a different place every time (even though we hit several that would have been nice to revisit). Deciding to do so gave us an opportunity to get to know our host community better, to revisit old favorites from such a location, and find what is newly popular in food and drink.
We especially enjoy opportunities to talk to the folks that make all those meals happen – wait staff, chefs, and owners. Invariably, we found them to be pleasant, engaging people who appreciate being recognized for what they do.
If you are new to an area, or have not been there for years, don’t assume you know what is in the area. We were enroute to an historical site and really stumbled across an excellent state aquarium that far exceeded our expectations. It pays to ask around and to read all the road signs.
The Net Effect?
It seems to me that devoting the time (more on that shortly), energy, and open mind engagement has the effect of clearing your head, and perhaps something more ethereal. Displacing yourself and being open to what is new around you offers one the chance to rethink and refocus on other things after this little break.
It is a healthy changing of gears. I always seem to clear my head and think my best thoughts when walking in a forest. Turns out one can get a similar result by flying a kite on a beach. Who knew?!
How Long? Frequency?
How much time one can allocate to such adventures depends on a lot of personal variables, but as a general observation, I have found it takes about a week at least to gain such benefits. For many of us, it takes a couple of days to clear the head of what we left behind and having less than 3-5 days with a clear head does not seem long enough to nurture the new you. Curious to hear what others think is about the right timeline.
How often? Again, a personal matter, but it seems to me at least a couple of times a year, ideally quarterly, seems about right. Your thoughts?
Ah, The Perfect Ending
A friend has mentioned to me (she is a regular reader of this blog and will recognize her words here) that she loves going off on such trips and is equally eager and happy to come home. The first sight of those mountains brings a smile and rings a bell in the heart.
I could not agree more. May you have the same joy departing and returning, with regrowth in between.
See You Next Week
In case you might have forgotten, we have an election in 50 days. Millions will early vote well before then.
Have a plan to vote? Taking someone with you to the polls? Making any calls, knocking on any doors, writing any cards. Finding room in your money bag for just a couple more donations up and down the ballot?
Good for you. Let’s do it all and leave no stone unturned.
Bill Clontz
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At age 83 I am about to embark on a road trip from TX to CA with a friend. After my 65th H.
S. reunion I will visit an old flame in a nearby town for a luncheon date. We have not seen each other in 65 yrs. Never say I am to old to do… Life is to be lived.
Sounds marvelous! Safe travels and great adventures to you.
Sounds like a wonderful time away Bill and Meg! I think it really takes up to 2 weeks to really unwind and get away but I rarely have been able to do that in my life. I believe the Europeans call it a fortnight and it seems right. Also looks like you got away from the beach just in time for all the rain. One of our favorite restaurants is called Catch in Wilmington. Plus we love to visit Arlie Gardens which is always a treat especially the Bottle Chapel.