Choose or Cruise

As I write this, we’re winding up a Caribbean cruise. It was a great getaway, even though cellphones and computers now operate on most ships. There was a time, not so long ago, when we could cruise away from it all, without a virtual connection back to the real world of home and business. Not so anymore!

These days, cruises are great for all types of people…from the elderly, to kids, to special needs. I love cruises, because I really love the ocean …but the secret reason I love cruises is because I love the lull period, which happens sometime in the middle of the voyage. This mindless time happens when I’m lulled into the peaceful place of not having to think, or steer, or even plan dinner….For a couple of days, I’m just on cruise control.

This glorious time of blissful relaxation only lasts for a brief moment in time, to be replaced by something very different in the last few days we are at sea. Always, predictably, in the last few days of any cruise, my mind begins the gradual shift back to reality and responsibility. Even when I try to stay on cruise control, reminders of work, and of home, start to creep in, and I begin returning to making conscious choices.

I write for people who are developing, and growing, and nurturing their potential and purpose in life. Conscious choice is something I write and speak about, because conscious choice is the glue and foundation of our potential and purpose. Conscious choice keeps us on track, and on course, for creating who we want to be in our lives. Each choice that we make now, appears as our future potential…choices we make now limit, and determine, what choices will be available to us in our future. What we are currently receiving in our present life, we have most likely chosen, and given, in the past.

Because we need to be aware and focused on conscious choice so much of the time, we all need cruise time..a time when we can relax not just our bodies, but also relax our minds and our spirits…times when we can be carefree. The truth is…a cruise doesn’t always have to take place on a ship. We can experience cruise control anytime that we create a space to still the day to day world…we can do that in any way that works for us….any way from gardening, to walking, to bathing, to playing, to sitting. The key to turning an ordinary time into cruise time, is the intention we bring to the space. Cruise time must be chosen…it will not appear unless you consciously choose it. The secret to experiencing real relaxation in mind, body, and spirit, is that we must give our full attention, and focus, to what we are doing….we must be totally present….No multitasking, or turning our mind to choices is allowed.

An old friend once said that she liked regular days more than holidays…I never forgot what she said, and I realize that now I find myself feeling that same way. She was a joyful and creative person. She was content in her life. Special days weren’t so outstanding to her, because she loved the reality she had created for herself.…She was a woman fulfilling her potential. When we make choices that bring us closer to who we are in our purpose, we too, will love each day, and be focused in the present.

Could you take some cruise time today? Could you choose a time, and an activity, or a relaxation, which would quiet your mind, relax your body, and refresh your spirit? Could you plan that time into your day? Could it be a gift you give yourself? Could you consciously choose to take cruise time? Go ahead…turn off the world, and sail away! And wherever you are, be there!

When you return from your cruise, notice the souvenirs you bring back with you….I know you brought back some gifts for yourself, too….a few little things like:

Renewed energy

More patience

Sharper focus

New perspective

Fresh creativity

Your presence is important to everything you do. Be present in all your life…and you will enjoy it! Consciously choose some cruise time, and remember your sunscreen! Shine on!

Joy & Blessings, Carole xxx