Restful living

My life here is full - work each day, weekend trips, sport most days, church responsibilities, language learning, social events, and keeping house - this is exactly the way I like it. I have always lived a busy and full life, and I probably always will. But here, it is so different. It doesn't feel frantic and I don't feel stressed which is how it always used to be. Of course,  there are times when I do feel stressed (I'm human after all), but generally, I feel energized, content, happy and satisfied. Moving to Switzerland has given me the opportunity to learn how to live like this. The way of life here is just so different, with different social norms. And living here has taught me that I don't want to live a stressed life, it is just not necessary. Nor is it worth it. I have learnt to make changes, to live my life differently, and to see things differently. One of the biggest differences is having weekends that are actually restful... and on that note, here is what I did this weekend!

Snow shoeing in Eggli on Saturday... crisp air, good food, panoramic views, white snow, sunshine and good company...there is nothing better. We took the cable car up from Gstaad (one of the spots in Switzerland for the rich and famous!) and walked around the top of the mountain, had hot dogs and fries for lunch, and then walked down back to Gstaad complete with some sledging at the end!

Today after church Hayley and I went for lunch at Chalet des Enfants, a cosy place a bit above Lausanne. One of the things I appreciate about eating out in Switzerland is that no one is in a rush - you are never harassed to leave a restaurant. You can happily sit there and enjoy a meal together. And that is exactly what we did today! A good dose of delicious food and sweet friendship did my soul good. I ended off the afternoon going for a walk with another sweet friend to one of my favourite destinations for a walk/run in Lausanne, the Sauveblin forest. Somehow good conversation always accompanies walking with a friend, and this was a perfect way to end off the weekend!

Eyes ahead!

I am finding it very satisfying to be able to say that I have lived here for a year (actually a couple weeks more than year). Lately I have found myself thinking back to this time last year often and reflecting on the journey I have been on. I feel so grateful to be able to say that this is home now. To find myself in a position of contentment, happiness and satisfaction is such a gift and something I don't take for granted. My life is full and wonderful here, so rich with many different experiences and shared with such dear friends! I can't be anything other than grateful.

This weekend a group of us went bowling on Friday night and we had an excellent time. I know it may sound a bit cheesy, but the evening actually reminded me of an important life lesson - keep your eye on the target and think positively. I arrived feeling tired after the week and not quite myself, and promptly ended up with a score of zero after bowling the first four balls. I was discouraged and annoyed - after all, it was only bowling! My friend then gave a simple tip - don't look where you are throwing the ball, look at where you want it to go. Suddenly I was knocking the pins over and actually doing quite well! This was a boost of confidence and I actually decided that I could do it. I changed my attitude and my thoughts towards the game and ended up coming second. Now I know it may be a bit of stretch to draw life analogies from bowling... but for me, Friday night was an important reminder to keep my eyes fixed ahead, on the goals and dreams that I have and to realize that my mind is a powerful tool!

Back on the slopes!

Saturday we went skiing to one of my favourite ski domains, Portes du Soleil which means gates or doors of sun and this was definitely true on Saturday. It was the most gorgeous day. Clear blue skies, warm sun, no wind and not too cold.   A friend organised the day, and so I had the opportunity to meet a whole lot of new wonderful people. After all the snow we have had, the conditions were perfect. It was my first time skiing off-piste in the powder snow, which was definitely challenging. My friend was a very patient teacher, and despite my aching legs, I had a lot of fun. Skiing in powder is definitely more challenging than skiing on the slope - you go faster, but it is harder to be in control and to turn... so it required a lot of energy and focus. But it was exhilarating!

Skiing off-piste

Today was another gorgeous day, so after church I headed out for a long run in preparation for the Paris half-marathon in two weeks. 16km along the lake in the sun didn't even feel like hard work (although, now my legs are tired after skiing and running) and I relished the opportunity to once again enjoy the beauty of this place!