Friday, July 4, 2014

Crazy Good

“I must be crazy to be in a loony bin like this.” McMurphy from One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.

I’ve never seen the movie, but this quote could have been pulled from my own head. It’s one of those lines that cuts through the stress of everyday life. When things feel off-the-charts hectic (which happens way more than I’d like it to), it’s easier to blame it on craziness than admitting that this is actually my life.

My life that often appears to be happening at warp speed.

My life that isn’t always what I imagined it to be.

My life that I’ve been hard at work constructing over the last 40 years (yeah, I turn 40 in two days, whoohoo).

My life that sometimes I’d like to deconstruct and reassemble in a completely different arrangement, preferably with me living in Hawaii and running a cool little hangout right on the beach.

My life that has been mostly a wonderful gift.

My life that is what I make of it.

So, yeah, I’ll take the crazy, because without it, I probably wouldn’t enjoy the awesome as much. Coming home to family and laughing with friends (both enhanced by a glass of wine, by the way) at the end of a wild day brings much comfort and chances to see what is truly important in life. Many times we run like hamsters in a wheel.

go-go-go-go

run-run-run-run

faster-faster-faster

And what do we have to show for it? Nothing. Just like the freakin’ hamster. Sure, our thighs look great from all that running, but we haven’t really accomplished anything that means something to anybody.

This fourth of July, take a moment to breathe. To enjoy. To smell the roses… or burgers on the grill. Make a plan to do something different with your freedom. There are opportunities all around us to make small changes that will have big effects on your happiness and quite possibly the happiness of others.

Hop off the wheel. Break out of the loony bin. Do it. 

Toodles,
Chris
www.christinedepetrillo.weebly.com 

6 comments:

Jannine Gallant said...

Life does seem to be a race sometimes--and it shouldn't be. While I'm working the insanity of the boat dock on Lake Tahoe this 4th, I'll take a moment to look beyond the hordes of tourists to the actual lake and mountains and just breathe! Happy 4th!

Diane Burton said...

Jannine has the right of it. Just breathe. Enjoy the journey. I know that's become a cliche, but it's so true. We miss so much when we're running like crazy. Happy 4th of July.

Leah St. James said...

What a great message, Chris! Just breathing...sounds like heaven. I might have to give it a shot. :-)

Margo Hoornstra said...

Good idea, Chris. It's hard to come to a stop from a full out and constant run. This fourth, we have the windows open - thank you, thank you cooler temperatures - and lots of nice fresh air coming in. What a concept!

Alicia Dean said...

Great post...great advice. As most everyone, I live a hustle, bustle, rat race of a life. A nice, quiet breathing break sounds like just the thing I need. Happy Fourth!

Barbara Edwards said...

I hopped off the wheel three months ago to take our Alaska trip. I find I still spin but my circles are smaller. hah. Now I can't find my wheel. No loss really.