My heart sunk as I stood in the open, breezy air as people walked by with their dogs and each other or alone. All the things I'm neglecting are healthy for my heart and soul in the most intrinsic ways. They make me who I am. When I was thinking back on all the fun tourists I've met out on walks...oh the conversations I've had and stories I could tell. And books? Books are some of my best friends! I have been robbing them of my time. Truthfully? I've been robbing myself. Of just slowing down and pointedly taking time every day to focus on living and thinking, not doing.
Do you ever feel like this? Like you're just going, going, going and you know things are slipping, but then one day the weight of it all bears down on you in a passing glance, a visit from a friend, or the wind in your hair? Things have got to change.
Tonight I caught some rays.
I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.
I let the wind have its way with my hair.
I stood for a long time just looking out.
The railing was new (that never happens in my neighborhood)
and I felt sad that I didn't even know we got new railing along the path.
It was cool beneath my hand.
I might've walked a bit, but had on some 'not made for much walking shoes'.
But there's always tomorrow.
And that really encouraged me because realizing you have
time to make a change is just as good as realizing you
want to change something.
Hope your week is moving along smoothly and splendidly, but filled with enough time for you :)
Outfit details: Tucker for Target Blouse, Tucker by Gaby Basora Belt (gifted), Gap Denim, Steven Madden Clogs, Sorial Handbag, PANYC leather/metal bracelet, Melinda Maria Pyramid and Tiger Bangles, Ring.
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89 comments:
Hello sweet - yes I get this - entirely. I think we must try to get outside every day even just to notice the weather or the grass growing or some such natural phenomenon! Dig the shoes btw. Lou x
I love those wide leg jeans with clogs. :) So 70's
♥
I feel like this too. Not enough time in the day. I haven't been to the beach in ages even though I'm not far from it. Busy working city life! Love your look today. great belt! xx
I feel this way a lot, and even worse because I seem to have time on my hands right now - so why can't I do something better with it?
Enjoy the walks and the wind and everything else. Realizing you have the time is definitely the first step.
yes i completely get this. sometimes i just need to step away from the computer and get some fresh air...
Yup! I feel this way right now. I walk every single day sometimes 2-3 times a day but that's all I do here. My husband plays hockey in Czech Republic this year and I followed. It's like I'm stuck in a "groundhog day" movie. I don't understand the language nor anything and people don't understand me. UGH! Happy I could kinda get away on your blog. Good post!!
www.homesweetflorida.blogspot.com
I love walking and as we have two dogs it's a must...but a great one! I love the wind and fresh air:)
Kisses,sweetie
Ps: I am hosting a sweet GIVEAWAY later on today :) Hope you will join in :)
I haven't been walking and keep saying I should make the time... I think today is the perfect day! xo
Hi hunnie....I hope you are able to make more time for these things soon...love your Tucker pieces and your shoes:)
Hope there's a good change coming! Splendid outfit and you have me looking for GAP denim now.
I hear everything that you are saying Carrie ~ we have to find time to do things that we enjoy ~ things we love and that are good for the soul! I hope you find your walking shoes and get back out there ~ grab your book ~ go for that walk and find a spot to read. Happy Wednesday! xo
I love that you totes raided the whole T for T collection. you wear it all so well!!!
Yes, I sometimes feel that times just slipping by and btw, you look magnificent!!! xoxo
J
très jolies photos, et j'aime beaucoup ton look, ton jean et tes chaussures j'adore
I absolutely feel like this lately! The book thing just has me baffled. (Like, really, what happened???) The bad weather has kept me inside. I have always been pale, but the extent of my pastiness these days is laughable (or cryable). I could blame it on spending all my time blogging or visa-ing... but my huge reading nosedive was pretty prevalent even before I started keeping up with bloggieland.
I hope today finds you on a beautiful indian summer-esque walk!!!
I know how you feel - ever since it started getting darker and cooler in the evenings, I haven't been taking the dog for a walk after work.
I miss it, she misses it, we miss the sunlight.
I know what you mean, for me it's hard to find time to do it all. I love your blouse and belt!
I love this look!
I know exactly what you mean...I hardly have time for anything anymore...I hardly ever go outside...I don't do anything but work, eat and go on my computer (and read HP before bed)
I really need to chance my schedule of stuff around
http://aclosetfashionista.blogspot.com/
loving our clogs Carrie!
PS. today I am going to open all the windows (and sunroof) in my car and let the air in!
WOW This is so true it's sad! all morning i've been sitting at work thinking of the work i have to do when i get home, it's only 9am!!
but p.s i love love love your gifted belt
www.indramaticfashion.com
Those jeans are absolutely to-die-for!!! You look amazing. I wish i could stare at the water everyday.
xo
I love this look! So great!
Love the jeans and the boots girlfriend!
I hope you get all caught up on some R&R
What is the chef's email address, I will inform him of your need of a MASSAGE!!!!!!!!!!! :)
That is a fantastic belt and I love all the jewels. Boho done right!
great post :) Love that you took some time for you - yes, I need to do the same.
Btw, love your bag ;)
i often get carried away by life and very often try to take those moments....we need the wind to blow in our hair, to breathe the freshness and smell the flowers....the ocean...and gaze into the beautiful sky and say thanks:)
Beautiful photos! You are stunning and I love that belt! It is a belt, right?
And I totally get how you feel about going outside. Getting a bike completely changed my life and now I get at least a 15 minute bike ride outside daily. Before that? Nothing.
I know this feeling all too well. I used to love running, but have been so busy with work and school lately that I haven't exercised in weeks. No wonder I've had a rough time getting on those skinny jeans! You may have just inspired me to MAKE time for myself and go for a run. I love how free-ing (is that a word?) running can be.
This post is striking to me! I think I have a case of the ignore-what-is-good-for-me-because-I'm-just-too-busy train too.
I also feel sometimes like that...
Your afternoon seemed really nice, I'm almost jealous!! ^-^
you look so calm--i'm glad you got the chance to stop and take it all in! life goes by way too fast and you're right that it's always go,go,go!
BUT, i love your belt, too (had to throw it out there).
xx aj
oh god i SO agree with u - i'm always doing this and doing that - that i really never set time away JUST for myself! - there was a time that i actively practiced this (having time for ME) and WOW what a difference - feels go to just do for your OWN soul - good post lovey - i'm going to the park today and just gonna chillax with myself!!!
I can't remember the last time I took a walk outside either. (sad) Shamefully instead of getting some fresh air I choose to watch reality television and this is wrong, so wrong! I think going for a walk, taking in what nature has to offer and getting some exercise should trump The Situation and Teen Mom.
I love your flared pants, you look lovely!
I LOVE YOUR BELT SO MUCH. It looks perfect with your outfit.
I swear, I have been neglecting the very same things you have. Hiking, reading, taking things in, etc. I'm so busybusybusy and when I have down time, I've been reading blogs or watching The Real Housewives of New Jersey instead of doing more soul-relaxing things. It's good to think about . . .
(hope your week's been lovely so far!)
Also, making a change when you're wearing fabulous new shoes makes the transition so much easier!! :P
yes i've felt like that a lot before and recently...i hate it. but you gotta keep moving forward not back.
i dunno. it's too early to be giving advice so i'll just leave you with...cute outfit.
I feel like that a lot. Even with my two little tornadoes, going outside isn't relaxing for me!
What you described in the first couple of paragraphs is what I've been feeling for quite some time now... I think I need to make more time for things I love, like reading! It's only been about two weeks since I finished a book but it feels like months.
♥ Leia
completely agree with your post. that whole "balance" thing is tricky but so worth figuring out in life! still working on it :)
ocean blvd, my home!!(well not the whole street.. :) ) love your accessories!!!!
YES...........this is where i'm at right now...but i know it's just a season.
Loving those pants, but even more, I am loving this post. You are so dead on, Carrie, about going going going . . . it never seems to end. Lately I've been stretched to the max b/c I spend 2 hours a day just commuting to work. It is brutal. And reading a book cover to cover... months for me too. I have about 3 books I am 1/2 way through. I just can't seem to focus.
Thanks for this post.
xo M
We all feel that way sometimes, darling!
Love your look, especially the obi belt!
xoxox,
CC
Not only do I feel like this constantly, but it's so bad that when I DO have a free day I don't even know where to begin!! Then I end up not doing the thing I am neglecting anyway! It's nuts! I think I am going to start just incorporating one thing a day just for me!
http://www.glamlatte.com
Love this...so very true.
I love and desperately need the times when I can take in every moment and absorb it- no matter how small.
Wishing for more times like this!
Glad you caught some rays! (Like that pic!)
What a beautiful post! Thanks for sharing. I love your belt and shoes btw!
I totally feel you and can completely relate.
Great post, really made me think.
Also you look so gorgeous in that outfit. Love the serenity of these pics, you look really peaceful.
Have a great day dear!!!!!
xx
Nikki
Carrie, it's like you're reading my mind in this post. I know we've e-mailed about this, but I constantly need reminders to slow down and live in the moment instead of rushing onto the next thing in my mind. Over the weekend I wasn't feeling well and basically didn't do much of anything and I REALLY enjoyed it. It reminded me that I don't have to be sick to spend some time alone and relax. I'm so glad you got to take a walk (even if it was a short one in those fabulous shoes) yesterday and slow down for a bit. One day we'll have to slow down together wiht some margaritas. ;)
xo
Valerie
I have been taking walks and jogs outside early afternoon to enjoy the prettiness of fall. And because I know that in a matter of seconds it will be winter here and I won't enjoy being outside for quite some time. It's important to enjoy it and take advantage of the beauty that we've been given!
I LOVE those clogs! And the scarf around the waist is perfection! I'm so excited you visited my blog! THANK YOUUUU! :)
Gorgeous post love! I feel this exact same way sometimes, and it's nice to just get out and take a breather for a few minutes! Hugs xoxo
Yes, I know what you mean. I do read books from cover to cover and I try to play tennis several times a week, but doing the things you know are good for you can also be a bit stressful sometimes. Deep breath sounds good!
I get it! I haven't been to hot yoga since April. I'm dying to go back, but can't seem to get my self well enough to start up again. I know once I do I'll feel great.
Last night while walking the dogs at sunset I told my Husband, what a beautiful fall day, with the sun setting and crisp air and leaves. Remember this moment. He didn't get it.
I LOVE your bracelets!
Totally get it, sometimes I'm just like, wtf??? Then it all calms down. Then it gets crazy again! The thing is, you look so beautiful being pensive... XX!
YES! Oh my goodness, I was just having this conversation with my husband recently. I've always been an avid reader and just recently have I started really reading again. And it feels so good. I think we all go through this kind of thing once in awhile so don't be too hard on yourself! Each day is a new day :)
Take care Carrie,
xo, Nadia
Between work, my sweetheart, blogging and general upkeep, I feel like I have to schedule time to bathe much less practice! I got my Masters in music in the spring, and I'm horrified at how hard it is to find time to sing. But when I make the effort and demand some time for my art, it's transcendent.
I can relate! Seems like many of us are in this boat :( I have the hardest time slowing down. For me, it's hard just to remember that I need a little break. As crazy as it sounds I'm sometimes 'jealous' of smokers at work. At least they have 'an excuse' to get outside for a few minutes each day!
Happy 13th dear - have a relaxing rest of the week!
I have felt the same way recently! I have let go of so many things that I love to do. Just the days slip away before I realize it. I really want to take the time to enjoy and do the things I love, like drawing, reading...etc...
Woah! Was this taken at sunrise or sunset!
Aweh and I'm sorry you haven't been doing the things you love. Can you make time for them somehow?
EArly morning pilates?
Dear girl, I know exactly what you mean. It's so time to take a breather. Should it help at all, you look stunning -- I love your new Tucker belt! Carrie, I so hope that you can start taking a little time for you. Maybe start slow, like with a thirty-minute Pilates session every day, and make it an absolute priority. For that matter, make YOU an absolute priority, okay?
xo Josie
http://winksmilestyle.blogspot.com
The way you stack the bangles and bracelets is so effortless, I love it!
Yup, BFFs indeed!
besos,
Win a Banana Republic Statement Necklace at:
20 YORK STREET
That was beautifully expressed! I know exactly what you mean. Those days make you ponder. Btw...love those shoes with those jeans! XOXO
how beautiful. so many of the things you said are true for me too. you really have to wrangle yourself in and remember what has always been important and makes you happiest.
then I suggest you get a dog because I get to walk her everyday and it is great to go out on your own for a daily walk, I have time to think about everything and nothing and find it so refreshing! I am crazy over your ring!!! I saw it on shopbob.com, is that where you got it?
xoxo
Catita
LOVE the steve madden's, I've had my eye on those same pair actually!
I know the feeling all too well of neglecting things you love and not knowing why. But I think this helps us to realize why we love them, and that is so very important!
XXXO.
M
Have you been reading my mind? I can't remember the last time I just strolled through the city, went to yoga, just did nothing for me. I always feel like my plate is full, I'm running behind, I'm missing out. It takes something big for me to just stop and take it all in and change.
You are SO right with this post, it's making me sit here and just enjoy it.
oh and your tucker belt and those rings!
seriously could you look any cuter? And, I totally relate to your comments about going going going. I am frustrated because I don't have time for my DVR shows, and reading books and magazines. I manage to get to the gym only b/c I am anal about this!! But still....something has to change. I think this is all because I am blogging!!!
naina
I have felt that way many times. I hope that you get back to doing the things that make you happy and are good for your soul. It's so easy to get caught up in life and not take care of yourself. On another note, I just ADORE your outfit! Love how you belted the Tucker shirt. Perfection, sweetie xoxo
gorgeous my dear:) i feel like that too sometimes, and my go-to solution is always to immerse myself in a book whenever i have a chance. it's a wonderful distraction:)
xx raez
First of all, you look stunning in these photos! And also I totally get what you are saying... I need more daylight in my life or fresh air of any sort.
I have the same tucker for target blouse! And I love that you paired it with that amazing tucker wrap belt!!!
oh, i hope you'll get back to those things you love that you're missing!!
no, i don't tend to let myself get too busy for that kind of stuff. i'm a little overly indulgent! ;)
I completely agree...everytime I get out & walk to the Golden Gate Bridge, I feel so happy!
You look so cute in these pics.
Right there with you chica. I used to read the New York Times everyday, and rarely ever do anymore - can't find the time! Same with reading books before bed. Things need to change....
I hear ya, sister. I feel like I always put off things like that... I used to read all the time, but then I got into watching movies instead, and now that its cooling off, I'm definitely going to make time for walks.
OK...#1 this just became one of my favorite outfits. That belt is fashion crack.
#2 We absolutely NEED to talk about Bretty boy and his discovery that cell phones now have cameras. Glad to see he still knows how to charm the ladies even with a grandpa attached to his name.
I feel the same ... Everyday I tell myself I need to walk and exercise! it does not happen! between rushing the kids to school, grocery shopping, blogging, cooking.... etc ... who has time for walks?
Your post just made me realized that I need to take care of myself once in a while! Thank you! and you look beautiful as always!
Hosting my first giveaway! hope you'll join in!
xo
i totally understand what you mean, carrie! i'm so happy i just recently finished a book. it's been such a long time since i last read a book for fun. :)
<3, Mimi
http://whatmimiwrites.blogspot.com/
I definitely have these moments... far too regularly in fact! Life just gets going too quickly sometimes, and you totally forget to stop and enjoy it.
And I do desperately miss my walks on the boardwalk in San Diego. That was probably my favorite thing about SD by far...
This is such a lovely post, Carrie! I cam completely relate to what you said on the last paragraph. Thank you for the reminder to slow down and take a deep breath:) You're so lucky to live so close to a trail by the beach! Lovely outfit for a walk, too!:)
TheOwlsCloset.blogspot.com
Carrie, I am totally with you. I feel like I live in one of the most beautiful places ever and whenever I'm out there enjoying it - all feels right in the world. It's a curious thing that something that makes us so happy can be pushed aside easily in the wake of other random random things.
Carrie, i noticed that i was getting into the habit of tapping away on my keyboard(more than likely having to do with blogging) instead of getting outside or worse yet throwing my baby boy in the air as many times as possible for the day(he loves that). As a result, i am bit behind on blog reading and commenting because i had to slow down and put things into perspective. So, i'm tossing my little man into the air numerous times a day and we get outside. It's all a working progress...XX
You look great too btw:-)
Awesome post. I can totally relate. But I think once you've realised that things can slip by without you noticing you instantly change it. Tomorrow will be a good day xx
Agree times 1000. And all the time I could be catching up on the crap to make time for the non-crap, I end up just spending napping because I'm run so ragged.
Time to try 5-Hour energy, methinks. I wish I was Eli.
xo
C
Yes, yes, and yes! I know that feeling exactly. Sometimes life feels non-stop and I just don't have even that hour to take for myself.
When I actually do it though, it helps me maintain sanity for just a bit longer. For me, it might just be sleeping in. When I don't get just one day/week to sleep in, I am DRAINED and it makes for a tough time.
Hope you're able to find a way to act on that feeling! Beautiful outfit! You look gorgeous :)
..you look so super stylish ..I looove your style ..I love those flare trousers , and I am thinking I need ones as well : )
..and you rock those yellow Hunter's ..
hello, thanks for visiting my blog and for the comments, you have a nice & cool blog too! have a good day!
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