Unexpected Havens…..Needed When life ain’t perfect

Can’t afford a spa vacation, or maybe even new tube of your fav lipstick? Had a really stressful week and looking head-on into another? Wonder if you’ll ever launch the dream project that will answer your woes? What about those 10-30 lbs that have settled all too comfortably onto the not as young as bod. Give up. Life ain’t ever going to be perfect (nor are any of us either). Discover your unexpected havens.

What? Give up? Well only for a little while. Afterall, as Americans we are destined to become production units, keep a faster hardworking pace and create the almighty perfect American dream, or come as close to it as possible, right?  Maybe at least pay the bills.  Help the kids get through college?  You fill in the blank.

If I told you I’ve found an undiscovered, nearly secret tourist spot, and titled it: South of Santa Fe Plaza: Jemez Rd Mobile Home Park: most of America would laugh. Go ahead laugh (it’s good for you).  This place isn’t an eye-catcher. In fact, the yard’s not the prettiest in the park even.  The porch needs a new coat of paint. I have a yard bigger than my house. A few chinese elm trees. Some flowers thriving very well thank you. Flax flowers that light blue bloom every morning to greet me. Relative quiet. Children’s voices being children’s voices.  Grand sunsets. A neighbor’s tree that reminds me of pictures from Africa. A few cropped views of the mountains.  You get the picture: an unepected haven where I can spa, relax, pray, rejoice and center. A place that prompts gratitude and peace. Joy that the peppermint are growing again. A place where life is good is affirmed all year long.

Most people need at least 5-10 unexpected haven locations. Make a list of what you need.  Scout your surroundings. Find them. A favorite park bench. The little garden behind the café. The place behind the library where you can sit and think. The library. The kitchen nook. The fire escape on the back of the tenement, where you can watch birds fly.  The diner that puts fresh flowers on their tables and actually bakes real apple pie. Know your havens, and swap a few secrets with cherished friends. Go to these places. Stop the world. Be who you are. Forgive your inadequacies. Love those pounds, they’re ok, we are human. Find or create inner peace. Find the gratitude abundant in your heart. Celebrate life. It’s all we have and are. Namaste.