“Maybe it’s like becoming one with the cigar. You lose yourself in it; everything fades away: your worries, your problems, your thoughts. They fade into the smoke, and the cigar and you are at peace.” ~Raul Julia

Dear Universe,

I’m a crier.

I cry over sentimental cards, sappy commercials, unexpected compliments or a well-timed joke.  I cry when I receive a hug or words of encouragement from a loved one when I need it most.  I cry when a movie or book ends before I’m ready.  I cry seeing someone else tear up.

I even cry over a memory of the past or when I worry about what’s to come in the future.  I cry when I am overcome with gratitude.

I’m not ashamed.  Now and then, there is nothing wrong with a good cry.  🙂

But now and then, it’s good to mix things up.

So when I found myself tired after a long week with a lot on my mind, meandering into a cigar bar on a spontaneous whim seemed like the perfect remedy.

 “A good cigar is as great a comfort to a man as a good cry is for a woman.” ~Edward Bulwer-Lytton

The dark wooden floors, camel-colored furniture and deep, earthy aromas were instantly welcoming.  I plopped myself in a brown, leather armchair reminiscent of decades ago and perused the menu.

My eyes immediately honed in on the “Hemingway Short Story” cigar.  I laughed.  Of course the geek in me got a little giddy and had to order it.

Within minutes I had my shorty cigar in one hand and a bubbly glass of prosecco in the other.  It was the most relaxed I’d been in weeks.

“I have made it a rule never to smoke more than one cigar at a time.” ~Mark Twain

I don’t smoke cigars often.  I don’t typically take the time to take a mini-road trip to explore nearby states.  And I don’t usually take long breaks from thinking, working, worrying and stressing.

But that afternoon, that’s exactly what I did.

Like I said, now and then it’s nice to mix things up.

Taking a break from the ordinary, the usual and the everyday can be invigorating and relaxing.  Even if it’s just for an hour, finding the time to deviate and try something you’ve always wanted to or to revisit something you haven’t done in a while can be the best gift you give yourself.

“Taking time to do nothing often brings everything into perspective.” ~Doe Zantamata

That time, the mini-break of sorts, is a gift which keeps on giving. It gives you new memories and a sense of peace.  It can provide a fresh insight or burst of energy.

I can be a crier.  But for those couple of hours, I was a smiler.  🙂

Thanks for the reminder that now and then it’s okay to make time for myself.  It’s okay to take a break from all the responsibilities.  It’s okay to enjoy peace, wonderful company and easy conversation.

It’s better than okay; it’s necessary.

After all, once I walked back into the sunshine-filled, windy, fall-like day, everything was waiting for me.

I was just a little more ready to take it on again.

With Gratitude,

A