A good friend of mine visited the Twin Cities this past summer. It was fun to spend the day with her and visit my own town as if I was a tourist. There is so much to see and do. We merely touched on a few things in one day.
For another perspective, it’s always good to take a look at your own city/town with new eyes. Sort of like taking a vacation without leaving home.
In addition to MidTown Global Market, a lunch of falafel, schwarma, turkish tea and red velvet cake at Shish on Grand Ave. and a walk at Lake Nokomis, here are a few of the things we saw.
Minnehaha Creek, Photo R.MesharMinnehaha Falls, Photo R. MesharMinnehaha Falls, R. MesharLock&Dam Bridge, Photo R. MesharMiss. Dam, Photo R. MesharLock 1, Photo R. MesharLock 1, Photo R. MesharPhoto R. MesharMississippi River, Photo R. Meshar
Of course there is so much more. But we decided to stay outside in the perfect weather. Then we simply ran out of time.
Not to worry, I’m perfectly healthy. But I did have the opportunity recently to visit a friend who lives in Rochester, Minnesota. While I was there she gave me a mini tour of the Mayo Clinic. It’s at the center of most things in Rochester and one of the top three medical facilities, attracting people from around the world.
The hospital, originally started by Charles and William Mayo with the Franciscan Sisters of Rochester in the late 1880’s, gradually became a center for medical training, medical education and research.
Below I’ve posted pictures of the view from the 15th floor. Above you can see the sculptures of Dr. Mayo with a Franciscan Sister exhibited on the plaza in front of the clinic. As it happens, my friend is a Rochester Franciscan sister too which is why she made the perfect “Mayo guide” for the day.
During my visit we stopped at Chester’s Kitchen and Bar (it was packed) to taste their delicious sweet potato fries. In addition I had a grilled citrus shrimp salad that was really fresh.
Downtown Rochester is accessible, while offering shopping, dining surrounding the Peace Plaza. The Plaza is used for weddings, performances as well as market shops and live music during the summer. People can shop, walk, eat and enjoy the music
.
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While we often seek physical healing, sometimes healing occurs in other ways – maybe psychologically or spiritually instead. Are we prepared for other ways of being healed?
Remember the song, “I’m Walkin’ on Sunshine”? Most of the time our closest relationships should feel like walking on sunshine. But what if, like me, you’ve had an experience in many family relationships that feels more like walking on eggshells?
Walking on eggshells is a warning flag that something is very wrong. In healthy relationships, even when one of the participants is in a bad mood, tired or irritated, trust still underpins the relationship. Because of the underlying trust, neither one ever feels like they’re walking on eggshells.
Walking on eggshells means you can’t be sure what is coming next. This is because your experience has been that what is coming next could be a “rocket across the bow” to you.
People who live with those caught in addiction frequently describe their relationship with the addict as one of “walking on eggshells.” Similar descriptions will be used for relationships with narcissists, manipulators and other types of self-centered behavior.
Over time, walking on eggshells can create severe stress, may even cause depression or worse. No one deserves this in her or his life.
Stop. Assess. Consult a therapist. Make changes. Your life and health depend on it. Start walkin’ on sunshine.
In case you were otherwise occupied, look around – autumn has arrived. Last Saturday I went for a walk to enjoy the colors and then stopped by a cafe, sitting in the sunshine. Here are some pictures of fall color just beginning to emerge.
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This is a brief discussion about mutuality in relationships. Are you doing all of the “heavy lifting” in some of your relationships? Perhaps you do most of the inviting and arranging of activities. If you do – and this is important – does this feel out of balance to you?
Healthy adult relationships should be like riding a bike. It requires some effort, but it should be fun. It shouldn’t feel like biking up hill most of the time. There should be effortless coasting downhill, feeling the breeze on your face. This is especially true of relationships where you spend a lot of time.
Think about it. If you feel out of balance in a relationship take a step back. Do less. Give the other person a chance to contribute. If this is a close relationship, explain that you feel you are doing too much and need to re-balance. If contribution is not forth coming, allow the relationship to move to a level where both of you are making similar effort – whatever level that may be.
Enjoy the new ease you’ve just incorporated into your life.
