Sometimes we don't realize how much of a deep breath we need to take until we push ourselves to take it (even when we errantly think we have not the time or expense to do so). 

 

Last weekend I visited Portland for a day, and while I had been there one month prior, I was made aware quite quickly how I needed to step outside of the daily routine that had kept my focus for four steady weeks to simply gain perspective. Part of the intent focus had to do with the wrapping up of the semester, and the other part had to do with having the opportunity and ability to put a few headaches in perspective. 

 

Sometimes we think we know what is best for us - keeping our head down and working until all is done, but when we do this, we are not able to notice how refreshing stepping back, taking our foot off the gas and catching our breath will be. 

 

Letting ourselves explore what tickles our curiosity, letting ourselves not be constricted by a binding schedule, enables us to breathe, let go and remember all that truly matters and whether or not we should spend more time on the worries that initially had our mind in a tizzy. 

 

Stepping into Powell's books to explore during my day in Portland, although only buying one book (and with an exchange earned from selling consigned book), poking around a few other favorite shops and destinations, all without a tight schedule, gave me time to breathe, to appreciate all that is going well and be thankful for the opportunity to step out of my everyday routine just for the day. 

 

Returning home I was giddy, I was happy and I was glad to be back, but the getting away enabled this contentment to be more deeply appreciated. 

 

Perhaps you too just need to step out of the routine for a moment. It doesn't mean the routine you currently have is bad or not working; you just need a breath. And that breath may do more wonders than you thought possible.

 

In today's newsletter, Wednesday's post gives readers the opportunity to step into my office for a glimpse of my desktop. As I have shared on Instagram this past month, I have been redo-ing (after relocating) my office. And while I will be showing more of the office space in coming months, this week, discover 10 Ways to Make an Efficient & Inspired Desktop. As well, if you are looking for inspiration regarding small but significant changes you can make to your life, look no further than this week's podcast episode. And speaking of the podcast, I have just updated the homepage of the blog to share the four most recent podcast episodes, so you no longer need to peruse the archives of episodes if you happened to have missed an episode or two in the past month. 

 

With that, I will wish you a wonderful weekend, and thank you for choosing to subscribe to TSLL's weekly newsletter. Until next Friday, I'll see you on the blog.