Today's the last day of my Boston tour. And while I'm still busy sitting on my luggage trying to zip it closed, I thought I'd take a break to reflect on the past two weeks.
People always told me if I ever left the newspaper I'd need to work in some time to detox. I thought they were full of crap. Sure, everyone would like the luxury of detoxing between jobs. But in this economy, it just didn't seem feasible. I'd just get another job right away.
I should really shut up and just listen to my friends more.
According to Merriam-Webster, detox is a "detoxification" (thanks, guys) "from an intoxicating or addictive substance."
I think M-W falls short on the ole definition here. Sometimes the soul needs detoxification from the routine, from stress (which can be addictive but certainly isn't intoxicating - at least not in the traditional sense), from life in general.
Lying awake in bed last night I realized that my so-called detox from life brought me much closer to living again. I went about my days selfishly with ZERO plans. I'd walk until I tired, pop in somewhere and grab a drink and some food. I relaxed. I sat around by the river with no appointments to get to. I slept when I was tired. I ran when I wasn't. I was able to catch up with old friends and be more present for them than I have in ages.
Of course, this was largely at the generosity and kindness of my sister who was willing to put up with me shacking up with her for two weeks. ... And then getting sick at the end of the trip. So I owe her, big time.
What have I learned?
Detox is important.
Remembering why you like yourself at all is important.
Taking time to try to calm down to the best of one's ability is important.
Worrying doesn't get you very far.
It's nice to remember that you're not defined by your job, even if other people might define you that way. You were born unemployed. You'll likely die that way. Man is built for work, but work isn't man.
Sisters and friends are quite possibly the most wonderful things on the planet.
It's nice to have hobbies and it's important for the soul that you keep doing them, even when you think you're too busy.
Distance from the everyday is good.
Italian food, pastries and cupcakes are always good ideas.
There's no shame in taking lots of pictures.
xo
Must run and take my last tour of the city before boarding my plane.
Liked this, and completely agree. Sometimes you need to leave places in order to find yourself again and remember what's important; everything is not a damn fire.
Posted by: dv | September 16, 2010 at 11:30 AM
Who you are is only limited by your imagination. Who you want to be is limited by your desires. You never lose yourself, you hide from yourself. Its important to rekindle passion in ones life. Its a want, moreso a lust for completeness. You comlete yourself Ms. White. Have a fabulous journey. Peace.
Posted by: joe | September 17, 2010 at 11:08 AM