Relish Leisure Moments!

FREE TIME does not always come in big chunks! Our leisure does not arrive only after we retire, or during a summer, or when we go on a scheduled week-long vacation to the mountains, or during a planned three-day trip to an amusement park. For most of us, some amount of leisure - although it may seem to be only a very small amount - is available every day. And, when this free time occurs, we need to be ready to fully enjoy the opportunities.

On some occasions we may know in advance that some extra free time is coming our way. We may learn of a day off from the job because of a long weekend with a Monday holiday. Or, we may discover that next week's work schedule does not include Thursday morning. In addition, there will be those times when leisure presents itself to us as a sweet surprise! It may be an evening with no responsibilities, or a couple of free hours on a weekday afternoon. Perhaps it is only an extended lunch period, or an extra hour when the kids are under the supervision of someone else. Consider all of these occasions as true serendipity - small unexpected pleasures!

Get ready to enjoy the experience during those times when leisure comes in small segments - even when not anticipated. Think ahead about possible day trips or exciting places to go in an afternoon. Consider fun things to do in an hour or two. Keep a pair of walking shoes handy. Have a duffel bag close-by with some play clothes and sneakers. Carry your tennis racquet or your golf clubs in the trunk of your car. Be sure your bike tires have plenty of air. Include an inexpensive camera in a fanny pack just in case you happen to see a rare sight. Put a new paperback novel in your briefcase or purse.

Time when you are released from the necessities and obligations of life is wonderful. Take advantage of all the opportunities which come your way when you are free. Savor this time and learn to relish leisure moments!
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-- The photo above is a view of Tucker Bayou and Choctawhatchee Bay taken from the grounds of Eden Gardens State Park located near Point Washington in northwest Florida. A visit to this location is an excellent choice for spending an hour or two of leisure.

See the Sights!

TRAVEL AND TOURISM is alive and well! There are hundreds of thousands of great places to go, sights to see, and things to do at wonderful locations throughout the United States and around the world.

Whether close to home or far away; whether an inexpensive weekend trip, a luxury vacation, or an extended stay at a special destination; many are taking advantage of the opportunities to get away from regular routines and everyday familiar surroundings. Whether by trains, planes, automobiles, or some other means of transportation, many are discovering the joy in traveling, touring, and spending some of their leisure away from home.

When it comes to making travel choices, the possibilities are endless. Of course the cost, the time available, and personal and/or family preferences must be taken into account. With these things in mind, the destination and perhaps other stops along the way, and the preferred mode of transportation can then be determined in better fashion. Perhaps we also need to remind ourselves that we should enjoy the journey as well as the final destination.

For individuals who have difficulty deciding how to spend their free time, their days off from work, their vacation periods, or their retirement, here's a suggestion to always keep in mind: see the sights! If you do, adventure awaits!
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-- The photo above was taken at Destin Harbor, Destin, Florida