Karen Restivo
In Other Words....
In the morning or late evening, if you stand very still outside and close your eyes, you can feel the seasonal shift in the air.
Granted, the first day of Fall was noted as Sept. 22 this year, but Mother Nature follows her own calendar.
Change is happening all around us, but most certainly within.
The kid in all of us raced through summer getting in as much fun in the sun as possible.
Fall reminds me of my childhood, when my mom would open the screen door and summon us back home for dinner.
Life was so simple then.
The good news is it can be simple again.
Shifting your focus from the struggles and distractions of the world to nurturing the child within, you’ll realize the basic recipe for balance in your adult life: get plenty of sleep, eat healthy, do your chores and make time for play.
Learn to be stingy with your time.
Don’t let the television, computer or cell phone zap vital minutes away from your life.
Some clients tell me it’s what they use to unwind.
In reality, it can be a form of hypnosis luring you into a space of suspended animation.
On a recent flight I watched two kids hold their tablets within six inches of their noses, playing video games for three hours.
They were disconnected with everything going on around them, without even noticing they were on a plane flying 35,000 feet above the earth.
Yes, their tablet kept them quiet, but they missed out on the wonder of reality in the present moment.
The lesson is to stay in touch by observing what’s going on around you.
You’re never too old to be a child again, seeking out adventure and marveling at the world around you.
Recently, a group of local friends (usual suspects) and I traveled to Foster, R.I., to reconnect with former neighbors.
We followed the recipe of returning to a childhood, adventure-filled mindset.
We relished in the cold temperatures, Fall leaves, navigating an impressive itinerary of sights such as the Newport Mansions, the giant Troll Tour of Rhode Island and Foster’s very own covered bridge.
Fine dining was on the menu at Massimo’s Italian, the Ocean House Restaurant (in close proximity to Taylor Swift’s home), and R.I.’s own 2014 James Beard awarded Olneyville New York System’s restaurant receiving the classic award for it’s unique, regional specialty hot wieners.
Sadly, this fun loving, giggly adventure fell short of late night merriment as all participants couldn’t make it past 8:30pm (the jet lag you know).
If you find yourself unable to take a destination vacation, look no further than social media to locate pictures of our very own treasure-Matagorda Beach.
Schedule a time to walk barefoot in the sand, feel the breeze on your face, listen for the thunder from the waves arrival on shore, and watch the one-of-a-kind sunsets.
We are blessed to live so close to the Gulf.
In other words, return to the mindset of childhood adventure, stay in touch with your life, unplug and embrace nature; no computer screen required.
Karenrestivo57@gmail.com