Today was tough - not in any way I can put my finger on, but tough nevertheless. I think it was just the metaphorical grinding of gears as the season starts up; whenever you go from the relative quiet of December to the full bore intensity of January, there is bound to be some stress. The pollock boat crews are showing up, the crab boats are mostly fishing for cod, waiting for a break in the ice, all our processing crew is showing up as we ramp up to a 24 hour operation. Everyone needs things - the boats need parts to get their boats running, the crews need their gear, the galley starts feeding folks around the clock. The engineers are rushing to get all the plant machinery back together and all the new alterations working smoothly. I've done my job but there are still small glitches here and there, just part of being such a remote location. You have to think and plan ahead to get a season started but it's tough to think of everything and there is just a tiny handful of folks making it all happen.I was going to attend EMS training this evening but as the day wore on I knew I needed some play first and I began thinking about how quickly I could get my bike de-winterized and on the road for a quick ride to take advantage of the warm weather and fairly clear roads. I put enough gas in it to make it to the Dutch Harbor side and as I sat at the gas station by the hotel filling the tank I could feel the weight of the day lifting and my heart filling as well. Just what I needed . . . . . what sort of things refuel your spirit?
15 comments:
That's a tricky one Steve. my spirit get re-fuelled by the excitement of what i shall hopefully achieve and where i shall go when i leave england. Also the thought that there is no limitations to what i can do if i want. It is very liberating! :D
It is a nice feeling isn't it Steve?
For me...well
-sleep - sometimes desperately needed sleep
-an excellent latte - sometimes even the THOUGHT of it is enough
-on a NICE day, sitting outside with a good drink and a book enjoying nature
-spending time with a good friend
-working out
-thinking of my plans for the future and the fact that I'm really only limited by myself
Little bro, you managed to recharge me for months and months when I came. It's Family and Nature for sure!
I love those moments when you can feel that energy and lightness return, it quickens the heart and puts a bounce in the step. I'm glad you got some time on your bike and a good recharge.
I think nothing recharges me quite like travel. I love to break the boundaries of home and take in this good creation. It's time with God, time out in nature, new experiences, and also, being away from home makes me value it all the more. It always refreshes me.
The first moments of a road trip.
Of course, I like the entire trip, but in the first few moments, there is a rush of the feeling of freedom from everyday cares, no time restrictions, and the excitement of what lies ahead.
And, there's the added plus of trying new restaurants!
Wow Steve - I'm stressed just reading your blog and for me too, it's a busy time, being pulled in six different directions. For me, it's a walk on the beach after work, looking out at the Gulf and watching the sunset on yet another beautiful day in FL. Seems to make me forget the entire day and then regenerates me for the next! Have a super weekend!
Oh and Steve, thank you, the people you work with and the whole town of DH for all that you/they do for the fleet. You are appreciated!
It used to be going out to play with friends, yes even as an adult, but lately Im not getting recharged by a whole lot. Hopefully as the weight comes off a lot of my stress will go with it. Thanks Steve. You are helping me focus more on me.
Beautiful shot of the night and the KLR. I enjoy relaxing in the living room, a fire going in the stove, reading a book, watching the snow outside. Heaven.
BZ
Bro,
I keep looking at this picture and thinking how great you are with working with light. You could be another Thomas Kinkade!
My walk home from work is usually a very refreshing time for me. All the stress of work seems to melt away as I take in the fresh air and look up at the stars. Family time on my days off also does wonders for the soul.
I don't seem to get that time to unwind often anymore. I rush from work to home , to making dinner ... or off to somewhere else I "have" to be. When I do get the chance to refuel my spirit I escape to the ocean ... nothing quiets my soul so comepletely. Closer to home alterantives are the Bay, a walk through the woods, or just watching the sun rise or set.
Getting back to the things that define our serenity and 'sense of place' in the world is key to being able to smile in the mirror the next day.
Wow, what a great list guys! All wonderful ways to recharge - I particularly can identify with the ocean, the good cup of coffee, travel, watching the snow . . . and it makes my heart smile to see my son mention family time on his days off, I am so proud of the father and husband he has become.
Things that recharge me... the laugh of my daughter and the sound of waves! And I tell ya... a little wind in the face works wonders for the soul too!
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