Solitude

People pay all kinds of money to acquire the kind of peace and quiet I enjoy everyday. The retreat centers tout the benefits of getting away from the hectic schedule life imposes, of being deadline free, of just resting and reconnecting with the important things in life.

All this can be yours for a mere $1000 a week. Or $75 a night. Plus the costs for any additional helps you may need like a hiking guide or hot rock massages or spiritual mentor sessions.

Here I am with total peace and quiet. I almost feel guilty having such a wealth of solitude at my fingertips - and for free! Mornings are all mine. I rise when my body says get up, not when I need to get to work. The boys sleep until at least noon, so I can do whatever I wish. I work until I tire, then I stop instead of pushing through because the world will fall apart if I don't get everything done today.

I nap when I am tired, read if I desire, watch a movie with the boys, enjoy the great outdoors with Sugar, chat with Drew. What a blessing to have a life not driven. No agendas, no goals to achieve, no running from one thing to the next.

Plenty of time to consider the true importance of activities, breathing space to do something really well and completely, multiple moments to connect with the people you know and love - what's not to love about that?

Of course, I don't recommend getting cancer to acquire this amazing benefit, but I do know that you can't achieve this kind of relaxation from a one week vacation. After all, I have been at it for fifteen weeks, and I am just now realizing how great it is!