Relax!

One of my favorite shows to watch is House Hunters International on HGTV. I am fascinated by all the people, places and cultures, and find it interesting to see what kind of real estate you can get for what kind of money in different countries. It always fascinates me to see how much smaller houses and apartments are in most foreign countries compared to the U.S. We are pretty spoiled here! It is quite different from the regular House Hunters, which takes place around the country, but always in the U.S. Here people are expecting big rooms, big yards and all the amenities. One room many houses feature is the "formal" dining room. This is, in my personal observation, a wasted space for many folks. It is a sad commentary on the pace of our society today. I notice that often people who are moving from one country to another are looking for a "slower, more relaxed" pace of life. People have become so busy that it seems that they often feel like a hamster on a wheel and sometimes they just want to jump off. My question is this: why should we have to move to or vacation in another country in order to relax? Why can't we slow down and enjoy our lives here? Have we really allowed our lives to become so scheduled that we seriously can't relax? I understand the role of a vacation- a change of scenery, a break from work and routine, a chance to learn something new and experience something different. That's great, but here is my proposal: take back your "formal" dining room! Make family dinner a priority! Don't just save the dining room for special occasions and holidays! Turn on the lights, set the table and have family dinner! Even if you eat take out on the "good" china, the important thing is that you take the time to sit down and eat and talk and reconnect. Then, after dinner, take back the bathroom! Forget  "jumping" in the shower! Fill up that tub, put some bubbles in it and take a good, long soak- with a glass of wine, with a good book, or with your spouse! This is the perfect time of year to enjoy home and hearth. Take back your home! Cook dinner in that gourmet kitchen. Eat it in the dining room. Take that bath. Build a fire in the fireplace and sit in front of the crackling, popping warmth and play some board games as a family. Curl up on the couch and read a book. Take back your house and your life! Don't let the outside world constantly dictate the pace of your life! Slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures! Don't wait until "things slow down" instead take hold of the wheel and take a turn into Restville. Do it today! You can thank me later...when you're happy and relaxed!