relaxation

Simplicity

/ Shirley Sorbello / 4 Comments

In today’s world, it’s easy to get lost in the complexity of our society. Our life can become a whirling mass of chores, things, people, responsibilities and places, leaving us feeling lost and joyless.

When that happens, take some time to make yourself a top priority. Decide what really matters to you…your well-being and peaceful existence. Eliminate as many of the “shoulds” as possible, and let go of unnecessary things and people. Take some time to do what makes you happy and clears your mind. Relax and go with the flow of life; don’t complicate it with overthinking. When you return to what you absolutely have to do, you will approach it more lovingly because you’ve found time to nurture yourself and relax back into yourself.

My favorite go-to place locally is without a doubt, Cape May, NJ. The beauty of the ocean and rhythm of the waves relaxes me and helps to clear my head. The same is true to some extent for writing and genealogy although those activities can at times be bittersweet. 🙂

Do you have a special place or activity that allows you to relax and free yourself from your routine?

My Go-To Place

/ Shirley Sorbello / 14 Comments

The walkway at Riverwinds

The walkway at Riverwinds

It’s where I go to think things over and sometimes to write. For me, it’s a nearby place of inspiration and gentle breezes that stir the soul. Located in Thorofare, New Jersey, Riverwinds Community is bordered by the mighty Delaware River.

Behaving as a writer and not a photographer, I grabbed my writing pad rather than my camera, when my daughter unexpectedly suggested a visit during a recent day of Indian summer. I would have preferred that these photos came from a camera, but I have to admit that my cell phone did a half-decent job.

Early signs of Fall

Early signs of Fall

On a clear, warm day like this, I was reminded how good it felt to be alive as I glanced out over the river. At times, the soft sounds of the waves lapping at the shore were lost int the roar of the planes landing across the river at Philadelphia International Airport. Nonetheless, there seemed a strange sense of harmony between the solitude of nature and the intrusive sounds of a busy world.

Plane landing across the Deleware River at Philadelphia International Airport

Plane landing across the Deleware River at Philadelphia International Airport

Maybe harmony is the key here. Perhaps those times in the past when I came here for confirmation of an important decision or comfort for a troubling situation, it was harmony I sought and received.

A powerhouse of humanity - the Philadelphia Skyline seen faint in the distance.

A powerhouse of humanity – the Philadelphia Skyline seen faintly in the distance to the right.

Of course, some people still throw trash into the river. I was reminded of my post, Sad Signs of Spring from early 2012 as I looked down at the bottles on the beach.

Trash on the shores of the Delaware River

Trash on the shores of the Delaware River

So how about you? What do you do or where do you go when you want to think things over or need to relax and get away from the everyday hassles of life?

Cape May Point Therapy

/ Shirley Sorbello / 18 Comments

Sunset Beach, Cape May Point, NJ

Sunset Beach, Cape May Point, NJ

As I sadly watch the orange and red leaves swirl in the cool October winds, my thoughts return to a warm, sunny week in September…a peaceful time with perfect weather spent in Cape May Point, New Jersey. It was only a few weeks ago, yet it seems a distant memory now that we are well into October.

Sunset Beach, Cape May Point, NJ

Sunset Beach, Cape May Point, NJ

It is here where the Delaware Bay meets the Atlantic Ocean. You could even say that time has slowed or, at the very least, left behind parts of this community with its Victorian homes and cottages from early 1900’s. Of course, modern houses dot the neighborhood here and there, but a strong sense of the past remains as evidenced by the community post office and general store.

General Store, Cape May Point, NJ

General Store, Cape May Point, NJ

Cape May Point, NJ Post Office

Cape May Point, NJ Post Office

Sometimes it’s good to just let yourself “be” as I frequently did in this idyllic community along the Jersey shore. It was easy to feel completely contented rocking on the front porch or staring out at the ocean without a thought of the past or the future. Butterflies dotted the bushes in front of our cottage while an occasional dragonfly darted about. I was part of their world and they were part of mine. Being fully present in those magical moments of oneness felt calming and regenerative to me.

Butterfly, Cape May Point, NJ

Butterfly, Cape May Point, NJ

I urge you to make an appointment with yourself to go somewhere peaceful and relaxing for at least a few hours and “just be.” Focus on the present moment. Look, smell, feel, touch, maybe even taste.  It doesn’t have to be an exotic location; it can be a quiet retreat in your own home or yard.  The result can be as good as any medication, and it will regenerate your body, mind and spirit.

I look forward to sharing more of Cape May Point with you in future posts.