How to Get Off the Merry-Go-Round Without Leaving the Park

In the midst of the business of life, have you ever asked yourself the question, "How do I get off this merry-go-round?" It's not that you want to totally quit the park and go home, but you do want to get out of the crazy cycle and into something that preferably allows you to keep in closer proximity with the ground, for longer periods of time.

So what do you do to put things in perspective for yourself? How do you continue to live an organized life in the midst of a fast-paced world when you have to wear multiple hats just to get by?

What do you do to find balance in YOUR life?

I usually talk to a friend to get perspective on things, or I go for a walk to clear my thoughts. Alone time is a necessity sometimes. Hey, Jesus did that. He'd go off alone to pray. Prayer. That's a really good way to center yourself, but you have to take the time to do it!

People say that you have to "take time for yourself" or "refuel your own vessel" if you're ever going to ever be any good for anybody else. I find this to be especially true for women or people that minister to others on a daily basis. You need down time to re-energize yourself.

Take a hot bath
Put on some jazzy music when you're doing dishes.
Go to a local bookstore and veg out with a latte and a good book
Go for an energizing walk in the woods with a friend
Take a nap
Sing karaoke and go out with the boys/girls
Draw or color
Spend some time petting your cat/dog
Vigorous exercise
Bake something with chocolate in it. Eat some. Share some. But mostly "eat some."
Scream into your pillow
Write in your journal (start a journal).
Write a letter to a friend. (snail mail)
Go to your local Christian bookstore and browse.
Watch a movie (veggie tales recommended).

Come on! What else?