Freelancing to Freedom

I’m dedicating my post this week to my dear friend Sarah, who is currently bumming around on the beaches of Thailand. Lucky dog.

My goal this week was to “Remember the beach.” I’m sure some of you are wondering, “What the heck do you mean by that? How do you forget the beach?”

In May last year, I had the amazing opportunity to travel to Costa Rica, where I spent one of the best months of my life. When I think back to that time, dozens of memories swirl through my mind. It’s difficult to pinpoint my favourite memories, but one vivid image stands out: solitude on the beach around sunset.

After spending a day learning how to surf and partying with fellow travellers, I took my iPod to the beach and just sat there and looked at the waves for hours until the sun went down. Thoughts would occasionally pop up: “You should be doing something.” “Stop being so lazy – the trip will be over before you know it.” It didn’t take me long to tell those thoughts where to go, however. It was my trip. If I wanted to sit in silence for hours, that was my choice.

My first few weeks back in Canada, I was somewhat overwhelmed and found myself longing for those quiet beach days. But I eventually realized, and this realization was brought to my attention again this week, that you don’t need a beach to find peace. You simply need a quiet space in your own mind.

Being alone and silent with yourself can be a daunting task. Many people don’t want to get to know themselves better for fear of what they might find. But being at peace with yourself and your thoughts is the only way to establish peace in your life. So now when I’m feeling overwhelmed, I take a deep breath, remember that stillness and solitude of the beach, and then get on with my day.

On those days when work seems like an overwhelming task, close your eyes, smile, remember your “beach,” and then tackle whatever is in front of you. It might sound silly, but I swear it works.

And while we’re on the topic of beaches, the talented writer and author promoter (and also dear friend of mine) Susan Toy is publishing her first novel, Island in the Clouds, which will be available as an e-book this week! It’s the perfect story for these cold winter months. Check this out: http://islandeditions.wordpress.com/2012/01/28/island-in-the-clouds-description-and-blurbs/

This week’s goal: Compare sacrifices vs. gains.

Song of the week: “Set Me on Fire” – Matthew Good

Namaste 

Rachel

It took me about five tries to get this pose – yoga in the sand = not as easy as it looks!