Gentle ramblings from Provence

I’m sitting here in a little part of Paradise. My mother in law lives in Provence, Merindol les Oliviers. She and Peter built their home and one part is a little gite.  I am overlooking a clear view of the Mont Ventoux and relaxing.

Since becoming self-employed I have had to remind myself, more than structuring a plan, to take time off. Actually I do take plenty time off but it usually involves me doing something rather than just sitting, savouring, enjoying the moment. Perhaps other reasons too but self-employment and striving to succeed can become very self-absorbing.

I have been able to chill and relax here.

I have had a wonderful summer; I’ve been busy, having fun, learning new therapy skills, golfing. I’ve had my daughter in the UK for 5 weeks – over from Australia and that is why I have been keeping busy I expect; because she has gone back to Oz now. I did savour her visit and all the things we did. Her friends, brother and all of us loved her visit.

This relaxing though in France is wonderful. I’ve been walking early in the morning and just savouring the view, the calm, the beauty, the food and wine.

(I sneaked a visit to Antibes and Le Cap d’Antibes. I was taken there as a teenager several times by my parents. I can only say it had a huge effect on me. I loved it).

So seize the moment (carpe diem) and remember to take time out to relax; it is essential to our physical and mental health. It is so easy to be driven, to block stuff we don’t want to deal with, to think no-one can do something as good as we can do it ourself, to become lost in our own little bubble of self-indulgence.

September is here and the Indian Summer has been a bonus, in France and in the UK.

So remember to take time to

• be kind to yourself
• let it happen
• be in the moment
• tell those you love that you love them

That’s all from me other than to share this quote because we only have this moment and then it’s gone

“If you’re depressed, you’re living in the past. If you’re anxious, you’re living in the future. If you’re at peace, you’re living in the present.” -Lao Tzu

I’m off to read and have a snooze; the earlier thunder has passed and the sun  is shining.