Running here, running there–how often are we driven by the clock? Between work life, home life, family life, love life–it’s no wonder that so many of us are stressed to the max. And it’s no wonder that we ended the year and the holidays in a funk. That’s what we figured out the other day on the phone, good friend and I.

Now into our seventh decade (OMG, how DID that happen?) we’re just plain TIRED. And wish that relaxation and mood enhancement were as easy as pushing a button on our computers.  Yes, yes, we are both very blessed, girlfriend and I. But neither of us has been a stranger to tough times and while we appreciate the many gifts in our lives, from time to time the daily grind can be overwhelming.  Sometimes, it’s all just too much.

What’s the solution?

It’s SLOWING down.

That’s right. Slowing down.  Taking some down time.

Yes, I know: You don’t have time…you’ve got your regular work, you’ve got your creative outlet, you’ve got another creative outlet, then exercise, caring for the kids, playing with the dogs, making sure the spouse is taken care of, and how about those aging parents?

When I see people who are driven to the max and have justification for being overscheduled. well, I see a nervous breakdown coming. That’s what I see.  Because we aren’t meant to do everything and more.  We just aren’t.

It’s not healthy. Not physically and certainly not mentally.

 Who’s got the secret to living a good life? Babies and dogs, that’s who.  Yes, it’s true, their every need is taken care of (by us). But if you’ve spent any time at all around cats and dogs, you know that they prioritize their down time.  And so should we.

Speaking of feet, don’t have time for a nice foot massage? I say you don’t have time to NOT have one. That’s what I say.  It’s safe to say there’s never been a single person who, on their death bed, said, “I’m sorry I wasted time on that foot massage.”  Just sayin’.

After a busy semester, the holiday season and yes, a little case of the blues, M and I  decided to head off for a weekend of doing absolutely nothing.Winter is down time for most resorts, and deals can be found.We found a fantastically good rate at a gorgeous place in LaJolla and we are going off in 10 days to do…nothing.

I can only hope our room is this nice.

Won’t even rent a car.  Town within walking distance, the hotel  on the water and no touristy things on the agenda. Just rest. Walk. Read.  Time management with a twist.

Can’t leave town? You don’t have to. All you have to do is refuse all invitations for a weekend, schedule no errands, do no chores–just curl up with a good book or a video after a nice long bubble bath and just…chill. Get a babysitter, ship the kids off to a kind aunt–think of all the reasons why you CAN rather than all the reasons you can’t.

Time can be a real tyrant if we let it.

I say we fight back. Who’s in?