Privacy!
I enjoy a good deal of privacy and time alone. I’m a friendly person but I crave time by myself, so when I get it (or take it) I’m very happy. This Pandemic is not as hard on me as on some people who are more sociable than I am.
Recently while walking the bluff above the Pacific Ocean near my home I realized, however, that sometimes privacy can lock me in–like this little private beach that is pretty difficult to get to and even more difficult to get out of as you can see from the steep cliffs that hold it in place.
I enjoyed standing above it and pondering what a task it would be to make the climb down and then up again. I was not about to try it!
I took this photo as a reminder to balance my life with private time and social time (even if I have to wear a mask in order to be with other people).
I need the words, the smiles, the laughter, and the perspective of men, women, and children to help me live a life that reminds me to question my motives and ideas and to learn from others.
A sequestered beach is lovely to look at from above but not one where I wish to spend time or I might get stuck there longer than I planned.
“Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.”
I find social media is nice to keep in touch but can be overwhelming if one is not careful to limit the amount of time online. Nothing beats face-to-face contact, even with masks on.
I totally agree, John. It’s wonderful to hear from you. Hope you are doing well.
What a lovely reflection! I’m doing the best that I can by following what a wise Indian guru once said to do.
He said that manis a house with 4 rooms: the physical, spiritual, mental, and emotional.the problem is that he tends to spend all of his time in only one of those rooms whereas he should be visiting all 4 every day. So… that is what I do daily and it certainly helps during this pandemic!
I love this sage advice. I will remember it, especially when I find myself spending too much time in one or the other rooms.
I don’t mind being alone either but I need the personal contact with friends and family. I need ‘alone’ time to read my devotionals and learn a lot I should do and not do! I am thankful I live with a daughter and son-in-law who like their private time too, so we have our special time at dinner, watching the news, jeopardy and “wheel of fortune” BIG smile, and then I go do something I want to do by myself and they have their private time. Works for us! I think everyone needs someone sometimes -smile and be happy at ALL times.
Love and blessings to you Karen, Margaret
Thanks, Margaret. It sounds as if you and Tanya and her husband have worked out a very balanced life together. Beautiful!
Wise words Karen. Beautiful cove photo. Thank you.
Chloe, I am with you in my daily efforts to stay sane in all 4 rooms!!
I give thanks for the many wise ones who have gifted me with insight into our reason for being and how to live in the moment and simply BE!
Sending love to you all in waves like the ocean as we all breathe the same air and enjoy the same blessings that are all around us 🙏🏻🌟❤️🙏🏻
Thank you, Kathleen. I appreciate all of your support and love.❤️
I walk my dog around the neighborhood and usually see other neighbors and chat with them briefly and at a social distance. I also go to stores nearly every day (wearing a mask, of course) and appreciate the internet as a way to keep in touch with others. Imagine back during the Spanish Influenza epidemic when people could only use telephones through operators or snail mail to connect with others. There are LOTS of problems in our time, but I’m grateful to be living now.
This is such a good point, Janet. My mom was four years old during the 1918 pandemic and she lived through to 86. God is in charge. Despite the challenges we have so much to be grateful for.
I guess I’m like everyone who responded today. Even though I’ve bee furloughed I’m still very busy doing things that I didn’t have time to accomplish while working. I have a roommate and she works every day and I enjoy my alone time while she’s at work. I walk my two dogs and take care of another one. The one thing I miss the most is Sundays with my church friends and the hugs I get from them. We have our online service, but it’s not the same. One thing I’m not is lonely.
Happy to hear you are doing well, Judi. With God at the helm, we have nothing to fear. I heard recently that if you give yourself a hug, your body doesn’t know any difference so I’m hugging myself daily.
Love this Karen. What a good picture of isolation! I wouldn’t want to chance it on that beach either! But when Don and I can walk Paigey here in The Villages and greet people we do or don’t know and chat a minute, it does help fill my tank! I do feel isolated at times, especially from family, although we connect with them periodically. We enjoyed a raucous laugh from our daughter-in-law last night when we told her about Don’s rehoming squirrels who’ve been attacking our tomatoes and flowers! Although on the phone, that great laugh just lifted me up!
A famous writer, Norman Cousins, once said, “Laughter is the best medicine.” I try to find something to chuckle about every day. It sure helps, as you said, Carol.
I love your perspective on the Cove .
Not a place I would venture either.
Like most of your friends I also like my alone time .
However, I am a people person and look for ways to reach out whenever I can. Walking at Henry Cowell Redwoods is a great place to enjoy a little of both .
You always bless us with your thought “gems”. Thank you !
Thanks, Etta Mae. I love Henry Cowell Redwoods too. We’ll have to meet there soon and enjoy a walk together, with masks, of course.😊
Oh, Karen, I love this one so much. Sooo good. The photo even made me FEEL what your words were conveying. Thank you. Connection. To others and to God. Wow. love, Heidi
Hi Heidi. Thanks for your lovely comment. I miss our poached egg lunches at Sanderling! But mostly I miss you. Let’s take a walk soon.
Karen, right on the mark…as you always are. I can relate to each post. I was alone for about three years and now am newly married. I still treasure my alone time. I enjoy family and friends and keep in touch by way of the internet or f/b.
I am grateful to have a husband by my side during these “interesting” times.
Hi Joan. So happy you are doing well and enjoying your new marriage. These uncertain times are easier with good people by our side.
My only comment is I wish I was close enough to the Pacific Ocean to take a walk everyday! I have to look a little harder to find that sort of serenity in Indiana! Thank you for your thoughts, it is important to spend time with people. It’s a good way to learn and grow. 🦋
Thanks for your comment, Kristi. It’s great to have you join and share your viewpoint and experience.