Healthy Escapes

Good afternoon and greetings from (sunny and warm!) Philadelphia --

Here working on a travel story for BBC.com and having such a great time already since arriving last night. I went out to about 6 different music venues and after getting a dose and taste of the scene, I slept like a rock in a quiet hotel room. (I had been up since 5:30am for an early morning intenSati class, so it was a long day.)

I wanted to blog quickly on how grateful for I am for my commitment to health and supportive community of healthy friends, so I can encourage you (if you need any encouragement or further validation) to do the same. When chatting with people about this blog what I realize is I want to just add to the chorus of uplifting voices that give people a little added health and wellness mojo. It's also about a space for feelings and expression to be OK, which is a lesson I feel like I wish I knew earlier and like to pass along as often as possible.

Doing both helps you and it helps me keep MY commitments, so I would say it's a good, positive relationship.

Last night I ran into many a drunk, high and chain smoking kid and I say this with zero judgment, just awareness, that I am happy I am able to go out and hear live music without having to play like that. I drank diet cokes and water, munched on my apple, and got home at an hour that is far from witching but perfect for me. I tend to feel sad when I see people so drunk they could barely stand (of course I see this in NYC as well when I go out which really isn't that often these days since I prefer early rising) and some people can enjoy/get away that sort of thing without major disruption to their lives. For those who can't, well, they'll come to that awareness eventually and hopefully before anything detrimental.

It's a gorgeous day and when I was sitting this morning in Rittenhouse Square, drinking coffee, people watching and writing, I felt the same degree of gratitude I would feel if on my honeymoon in Paris. It was beautiful and I don't know how that is but sometimes there is just this zone I get into that is pure gratitude and love. Sometimes it happens at home but ALWAYS it happens when I am removed from the city (Vermont at Good Commons, Shelter Island, Tuscany/Rome, now Philly), which says something but I'm not sure what yet.

All I know is traveling and "getting away", even if it's just a few hours away from NYC to the City of Brotherly Love, gives me this peaceful sense that I am free. I just loooove feeling FREE.

Stress zones are like mine fields, potential emotional explosions usually rooted in some kind of discontent or frustration, best carefully avoided and in the long run, completely cleared. Escapes from these zones are wonderful and seeing new places with fresh eyes, explorer eyes, child eyes, and grateful eyes with the kind of curiosity that brings answers, knowledge and new experiences is so incredibly refreshing.

So, wherever you are, from Philly to Paris, London to Ibiza (yes, J Lo, you are with me even today), give yourself a little healthy escape. #inspireitforward

Best,
LBD