We love our husbands, wives, children and friends. Right? But on the list of important things to remember for the day, the number one most important thing usually is the first to be overlooked. You.

“Art washes from the soul the dust of everyday life.” Pablo Picasso

Every day your brain is used to its habitual operating system, which manifests in this world as your routine (laundry, lunches, grocery etc…). We all have one. This routine makes it seem as though we are running on autopilot much of the time. If we don’s shake it up we become stagnant. Yuk.

Taking time out for yourself matters, weather it is 5 minutes or 3 hours, it will do you good. A glass of wine is fine, but even the simple act of adding a new experience will give way to the experience of true relaxation. Sometimes it is just the act of slowing down to help someone out even though you are “too busy” at the time. Sometimes it is just taking the time to simply listen to someone, and actually hear what they are saying. Sometimes it is simply trying something new, just to give your precious brain the opportunity to step outside its habits and breathe in the liberating air of new experiences.

“The time to relax is when you don’t have time for it. ” ~Attributed to both Jim Goodwin and Sydney J. Harris

A miraculous things happens every time you do something differently than you habitually do it… you grow. Not only in mind, but in spirit. You realize that your regular way of going about your day is only one teeny tiny possible way within the billions of other ways in which it is possible for one to experience life.

When I find myself having a hard time with a particular problem or situation, I like to think about how someone I look up to would handle that exact situation. It is always amazing to me how many different ways there are to live your life. I promise you, if you take time every day to shake it up by trying something new or slowing down to notice something you would not normally have noticed, you will be glad you did. And your family and friends will be glad you did too.

~Liza