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Kathy Horowitz co-facilitates a monthly women’s writer’s group at the Life Center in Huntington. Her work has appeared in The Long Islander, Long Island Woman, Calyx, Blue Unicorn, and Seventh Quarry. Kathy offers freelance writing, editing, and proofreading services. |
| It seems that autumn is the time when many people, myself included, slow down not just physically, but also mentally. Summer provides us with many outdoor activities, parties, and travel that we need to slow down in order to regroup, reflect, and re-energize. Add to that caring for a spouse, parent, or loved one and our batteries become depleted. In today’s faster paced and technology-overloaded world, we sometimes forget to take time for ourselves. We often neglect to acknowledge that we are doing our best, and what we have to offer at a particular moment is enough. In Don Miguel Ruiz’ wisdom book, The Four Agreements, the fourth rings true. He says,“… If you try too hard to do more than your best, you will spend more energy than is needed and in the end your best will not be enough. When you overdo, you deplete your body and go against yourself, and it will take you longer to accomplish your goal.” So, to recharge as we shift into autumn, here are some things you can do: Take a long walk in the woods at a park or near your home. Notice the changing color of the leaves, the busyness of the squirrels, and the slight chill in the air. Be mindful of each step. Look through old photo/digital albums. As you look through them, remember an old friend or beloved relative and the memorable moments captured within the photo. Reminisce on the favorite places you’ve traveled to. Or, re-visit a fond event you planned or attended. Give gratitude to those cherishable memories. Get lost in a favorite movie. Sit back in a comfortable chair and set up the popcorn and candy. Write about your summer like when you were in school. What was the best part? Did you learn something new? Make a new friend, find a new neighborhood to explore? Don’t leave out any details. Let the joy of the moment take over. Finally, be thankful for all the small things in your life. For example, recently I was walking on the boardwalk at Sunken Meadow when I saw an elderly gentleman sitting in a wheelchair gazing out over the Long Island Sound. He said hello and I asked him if he was enjoying the beautiful day. We both agreed, and in that moment not only did I make a connection with another human being, but realized how blessed I was to be able to walk at a steady pace. These small moments give way to larger ones. So please remember to take care of yourself. Always do your best, but no more than you are able to handle. |
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20 lucky winners will win $500 each in prizes totaling $10,000. 