So, we've just come back from the undoubtedly beautiful land of Switzerland. It was a few days, within a different world. A statement that sticks out in my mind is - this is no land of half measures…
Their country is amazingly beautiful. The weather - extremely hot (who would have thought, especially coming from Spain…). The prices of virtually everything - painfully expensive… But most notedly, and that's not just because I like my tipple, the wine portions are ridiculously tiny. In some cases 100ml per glass - what's that about?
Anyway, all the 'extremes' aside, I loved my holiday so much, that I thought I'd make a rare appearance and actually post about it…
A holiday is a holiday - and in my opinion, most of you probably don't wanna be bored by a full explanation of every day's activities. But my 'hidden' motive for posting about it is to express the importance of LIVING YOUR LIFE, rather than just getting by.
Don't get me wrong - I am not boasting here… Just merely stating that a small change in outlook on the way your life is meant to be, a small attitude shift, can transform your entire life, and your fortunes.
A few weeks ago, my mom came over to visit with her husband (and my step-dad). We had a great two weeks together, and they mentioned that they are going to Switzerland for a week - would we like to meet them there?
In my old mindset (I'm talking 8 years ago or so) I would have said to myself - "It would be so great to go…" and then I would have come up with a million reasons (excuses really) for why I couldn't do it. Like - I don't have the money. Or, I can't take time off work. Or, it's too short a notice…
I know for a fact that a lot of people - academically intelligent people - do the same thing, every time, life tries to swing them into enjoyment and excitement. And it is a BIG MISTAKE!
Let yourself enjoy life, the "HOW" bit will figure itself out. If you sat down to look for money for a trip of fun & relaxation - trust me you'll never get the pennies together - there's always something 'more important' that would such the spare cash up. But if you really look closely, you will find there's a way…
Disclaimer: I understand that there are people out there who are really in difficult cash situations, and I am not belittling that infliction. I am talking about the general public, who often (just like I did a few years ago) think they can't possibly go out and have fun, but instead end up staying in the same dead end job, same lifestyle, and same relationships for decades, spending money and time on things that don't make them happy.
All for the sake of comfort… Well guess what, human nature may pull us naturally towards comfort, but comfort never got anyone to the next step or to the next thrill of excitement!
I guess I am here to appeal to your wild side…
Take steps you know will make you happy. Feel life rather than feel your way through it… And in true Spanish spirit - grab the bull (of life) by the horns and do the fandango!
So in conclusion, here are some of the new experiences I had in Switzerland because I chose to make it possible to go:
- I tasted my first cheese fondue… or three…
- Did my first session of mountain biking (which by the way is not as easy as some of you may think, and it thought me that wearing a helmet when riding can save your life). No photo here, but let's just say I have the scars to prove I was there…
- Visited Switzerland for the first time - I get a kick out of going to new countries and experiencing the current culture. We went to Leysin, Montreux, Lausanne, & Geneva.
- Sipped my Rum & coke in a hut within a restaurant… Yeah! bizzare, but cozy.
- Ate dinner in a real Chateau :o) - Chateau d'Aigle in their restaurant - Pinte Du Paradis
- Watched the Sex & the City movie in Geneva in English - ha! With a bucket of candy floss…
- Had my photo taken with Freddie Mercury… ok, of course not the real one, but his very expressive statue in Montreux :o)
- And last, but definitely most thrilling - paraglided off the side of La Berneuse and flew (assisted of course) more than 2500m above sea level. One of the most incredible feelings I have had - dangling my feet 600m above ground - my head virtually in a white puffy (and freaking cold) cloud… suspended by a mere harness…
Eric at PanPam took me for the tandem flight and I must say Thanks! it was awesome! If anyone is out in the area looking to do paragliding, I would recommend those guys.
So, go on then, what are you waiting for? When will you choose to start LIVING YOUR LIFE?
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