I got a chance to enjoy a meal by myself today, actually sitting down at a restaurant instead of taking it back to the office. It’s been some time since I’ve done that and I enjoyed sunbathing from my table as I slowly ate my meal. It’s pretty relaxing and a great way to unwind. I had nothing to do but sit there and enjoy my food. It was also a chance to people watch – that couple in the corner by the fake flowers that touched them on their way out to see if they were real, the other girl eating alone nearby, the family across from me that didn’t seem to speak much to each other and sat around for awhile after there was no more food on the table, the colleagues or friends next to me talking about work and personality types…

Take some time to notice the beauty around you!

I also took the time to observe the little things – the heat of the sun’s rays on my face, the coziness of the restaurant, the wind blowing the decorations outside, the clatter of workers putting away dishes, the softness of my pasta, and the way that time kind of melted away. I love noticing these random details and taking the time to appreciate them. Perhaps I should go out to lunch on my own a bit more frequently. When you can just get lost among a crowd, it’s not lonely and it’s quite peaceful (at least to me). I like letting the world around me hum along at its pace as I take a step back. People tend to get caught up in their hectic lives and I don’t want to be that way, so moments to myself in the midst of a work week is really nice. I’m also looking forward to a yoga class I’m going to later this week that includes a meditation portion. I’m sure that will be rejuvenating too!