Weekends are generally a time to tune out the work week and spend time relaxing. While the importance of R & R can never be discounted, it can be valuable to achieve a balance between that and more active pursuits. The reality of a 40+ hour work week can leave any sane person drained and wanting for a bed and comfort food, but what happens when you set an alarm on the weekends? (Or in my case, when your body sets an alarm for you.)
This is what could happen.
SATURDAY
7:45 AM – Personal practice of yoga and brief reading.
Devoured what appeared to be half of John Heskett’s Design: A Very Short Introduction. Practiced approximately 30 minutes of yoga, which mainly was comprised of long periods of child’s pose and crow until I realized I would be late if I did not find a shower.
10:50 AM – Volunteered at the Clark Park Winter Carnival
Enjoyed the bliss of a 44 degree Michigan day in February while volunteering at the petting zoo station. Watched goats try to eat children’s coats. Watched children’s attempts to pet hungry animals. Met a camel name Wilma. Learned from parents about their children’s Veterinary dreams.
7:30 PM – …& Hockey Classic.
Learned how to operate a scoreboard and the satisfaction in pressing the horn for each goal. Watched two teams compete for a cause they believe in and in the name of a good sport.
10:00 PM – Movie night.
An evening in with Trader Joe’s Bird’s Nests, two dogs, a good friend and My Big Fat Greek Wedding can renew anyone’s spirit. (This includes individuals that smell like a combination of livestock and bonfire.)
12:00 PM – Guilty reading.
Read what appeared to be the other half of John Heskett’s Design: A Very Short Introduction.
SUNDAY
8:00 AM – Woke up. 8 silenced alarms later.
9:30 AM – Created brunch with a friend.
When you make waffles it’s important to have blackberries and powdered sugar. Also two dogs.
10:30 AM – Walked dogs.
There seems to be a theme, and it’s canine in nature.
12:00 PM – Volunteer at the Grosse Pointe Animal Adoption Society
Made new four-legged friends at the while enjoying balmy 63 degree weather. Truly the best excuse for exercise is walking dogs.
2:30 PM – Solid, unadulterated R & R.
4:45 PM – Rendezvous with friends.
Attended a Detroit Piston’s Game to test out the user experience factor of the new app WaitTime. (If you know me you know this is the equivalent to pure joy.)
9:30 PM – Finished that book.
One of the biggest things I have learned while being a part of this fellowship is that there is a definite balance for everyone and it is important to listen to yours. For me, it means getting up earlier on weekends and taking personal time throughout the day to refresh. Choosing to get up earlier enables me to indulge in relaxing moments and challenges me to try new things and participate in the community. I encourage all of you question what your balance truly is and to start on your own journey to find it.
*Not all my weekends are full of volunteering and dogs, but those are generally my best. All my weekends are fueled by lots of local coffee.