Get Some Rest. (Or maybe not.)
Running.
That is most of our existence. We take a break from our fast-paced lives only to lace up our shoes and head out the door for a literal run.
In my quest to solve middle-age sluggish metabolism issues, I’ve been trying to incorporate more movement in my day.
Lately, I workout then sit with my laptop in my lap.
Sit, sit, sit. And my rear doesn’t like it one bitty bit. Okay, my rear and might like it but I don’t like its ever-increasing tendency to widen along with my midsection. HORRIBLE.
The other day about 2 p.m. I leashed up the dog for a movement break.
We set out walking with my iPhone so I could keep track of how far we could go in 30 minutes.
Eventually we headed to the cemetery and I started glancing over the markers as usual.
This one caught my eye. It’s very simple really. But its message so profound I stopped. Turned around. Dragged the dog. And took this picture.
This woman was born in 1865. The year Robert E. Lee was named commander-in-chief of Confederate Army. On April 14, President Lincoln was shot. Alice in Wonderland was first published.
She died in 1937. My father was 10 years old. The Great Depression was still in full swing. Maybe that’s why her headstone was so simple? Margaret Mitchell won the Pulitzer Prize for Gone With the Wind. Joe DiMaggio hit his first grand slam. And the Golden Gate bridge opened.
The part that made me turn around were the two words:
AT REST.
I should say she is.
At that moment, with me fast-walking and worrying about being behind on deadlines — knowing I wasn’t going to make deadlines. Worrying about the State-of-the-House with our son bringing friend home from college. Worrying about children’s worries. Worrying about worries I know my husband is worrying about.
Honestly, at that moment AT REST sounded pretty good.
After a few more steps, I slapped myself upside the head. I’m no different than that woman. She was no different than me. She had her joys and struggles for 72 years. Then she slipped into eternity.
I can’t stop for long. I don’t think we are to rest. I also have come around to thinking that living is not all about having fun.
There are things to be done.
AT REST comes later.
For everyone.
When is really the only unknown.
When you get a tad road-weary what recharges you?
Like you, I spend way too much time sitting at the computer…and I don’t run like you do (I should). But last year I got an exercise bike and I now read only while I pedal — particularly useful in Maine’s winters. Great post and reminder, Jamie. I don’t want to rest until I have to…
I agree Julia. It is a balance of pushing ourselves and getting proper amount of downtime to keep us sane. That doesn’t seem to be much these days — but I guess like the old adage “I’d rather wear out than rust out.”
Makes me think of that saying “I’ll sleep when I’m dead”. Of course, that’s not true. When you’re dead, you’re dead. Not sleeping. Two very different things. It’s good to rest now and then, but keeping busy keeps us alive 😀
It’s funny TriGirl. I immersed myself in the world of triathlons as a response to just this notion. Even though I was a bit unsure, I thought now or never. Open water swims (especially those in the ocean) pushed me way, way out of my comfort zone. I’m thinking of training for a spirit this summer to usher in a new decade of life.
I love this post, Jamie!
When I used to live in Boulder, Colorado I used to go to this old cemetery and wander up and down the aisles. It was so peaceful and lots of really old graves there. I like quiet outside places, where you can just listen to the wind and the sounds of nature. A good way to recharge for me.
Shaking this up recharges me. And doing nice things for people as surprises. It sounds silly, but it makes me happy to think about someone’s day being a little brighter because of something I did. Boy do I sound like a dork. But you asked!
I agree Kerstin. That’s why I much prefer to exercise outside. Something about the fresh air.
And I think you are so right Kirstin taking the focus of me and giving to someone else — whether time or resources always improves my mood.
I get weary when I try and do too many things on weeknights. Even though it’s fun meeting up with friends, after dealing with the kids and work all day, too many weeknights out are counterproductive for me. So, I try and limit nights out and stay home and burrow in with a bath and good book on the other nights.
Amen sista. And I’d be embarrassed to admit how excited I get when I realize it’s a weekend night with no plans.
What a beautiful headstone; I’m so glad you took that photo! To answer your question (and thanks for asking), my garden recharges me. Trying to spend more time out there this spring.
That’s a really good question. Right now, I’m not sure what recharges me, but most of my lethargy is due to a chemical imbalance. Actually — I do know: warm weather and plenty of sunlight.
It’s a fine balance. For a while I was in a very stressful job and had so much going on in my life that I could barely find time to breathe. Some rest would have done me good! But you’re right, in that we only have this one life to enjoy, so we should think seriously about how we want to use our time here. I doubt anyone on their deathbed thinks they should have napped more or spent just a little more time reading their Twitter feed.
Ooh, love this, Jamie! You had a light bulb moment!
So true Jamie! I find my hikes in the woods with my dog recharge me. Being outside and active in general makes me feel good. And going to bed early. And wine 😉
I love this! I too have been pondering how I should best spend my time in life. It’s definitely a delicate balance. Also, I’m so glad I stumbled upon somebody else who loves exploring old cemeteries as much as I do! So much history can be found there…I like to let my imagination run with it.
Reading blogs like this recharges me. Taking time to smell the roses…or even just to take note and thought of this headstone, as you did, is important. Reminds us to at least consider why we are all here. Quiet time with God always refreshes me, too.
This does put it all in perspective, but I’m not sure what perspective I want it to be. The “Do I want to be running so much that life passes me by?” option. Or “aren’t I glad that I’m not permanently at rest?”
I enjoyed this post. Glad you linked it up to the Moonshine Grid!