http://www.bakersfieldvoice.com/home/Blog/tsimpson/8764 I just got back from a four day cruise to Ensenada.&nbsp; No phone, computer, t.v............what a concept.&nbsp; Although&nbsp; I am so very glad to be back home with my husband and daughters,&nbsp; I came back with the realization that while away from the pressures of everyday life, I am able to be me more.&nbsp; Sure, I am me on an everyday basis, who else am I?&nbsp; What I am trying to say is that I learned that when I don't have a schedule, a things to do list, somewhere to be or to go, etc. I am more relaxed and present.&nbsp; I am able to think clearer.&nbsp; I am able to speak clearer.&nbsp; I become so busy that I forget to breathe...seriously, do you ever say, &quot;Time to take a breather?&quot;&nbsp; Well, I mean that 110%&nbsp; Life is so busy that some of us tend to put on different &quot;masks&quot; depending upon who we are around, where we are, etc.&nbsp; Sure, that is necessary at times for certain things, but we cannot forget to let our authentic self come through regardless of the situation.&nbsp; Maybe the sea air got to me...who knows.&nbsp; All I know is this:&nbsp; I am making it my mission in life to be authentic regardless of where I am or who I am with, otherwise, how can I be present? I just got back from a four day cruise to Ensenada.&nbsp; No phone, computer, t.v............what a concept.&nbsp; Although&nbsp; I am so very glad to be back home with my husband and daughters,&nbsp; I came back with the realization that while away from the pressures of everyday life, I am able to be me more.&nbsp; Sure, I am me on an everyday basis, who else am I?&nbsp; What I am trying to say is that I learned that when I don't have a schedule, a things to do list, somewhere to be or to go, etc. I am more relaxed and present.&nbsp; I am able to think clearer.&nbsp; I am able to speak clearer.&nbsp; I become so busy that I forget to breathe...seriously, do you ever say, &quot;Time to take a breather?&quot;&nbsp; Well, I mean that 110%&nbsp; Life is so busy that some of us tend to put on different &quot;masks&quot; depending upon who we are around, where we are, etc.&nbsp; Sure, that is necessary at times for certain things, but we cannot forget to let our authentic self come through regardless of the situation.&nbsp; Maybe the sea air got to me...who knows.&nbsp; All I know is this:&nbsp; I am making it my mission in life to be authentic regardless of where I am or who I am with, otherwise, how can I be present? en-us Wed, 02 May 2007 14:56:49 PDT <div align="justify">I know what you mean! Every time I take a trip my life suddenly becomes interesting enough to journal. <br /> <br /> Maybe I am able to be more aware of my surroundings because they're different &mdash; maybe the clutter of my regular routine prevents me from fully comprehending the world around me. <br /> <br /> You have a good point: being true to yourself is a complex and difficult thing. Seems like it shouldn't be a battle &mdash; so I wonder why it is.</div> http://www.bakersfieldvoice.com/home/Blog/tsimpson/8764/#c_85881 http://www.bakersfieldvoice.com/home/Blog/tsimpson/8764/#c_85881 <div align="justify">I know what you mean! Every time I take a trip my life suddenly becomes interesting enough to journal. <br /> <br /> Maybe I am able to be more aware of my surroundings because they're different &mdash; maybe the clutter of my regular routine prevents me from fully comprehending the world around me. <br /> <br /> You have a good point: being true to yourself is a complex and difficult thing. Seems like it shouldn't be a battle &mdash; so I wonder why it is.</div>