Restful Retreat

Sleep had eluded me for the last couple of days. I felt as if I may be having another manic episode, although I hadn’t had one in so long I can’t recall the last one. Last night I arrived in Bacolod. I’m only certain it’s somewhere south of Cebu and one long bus ride from Dumaguete.

After completing my photo and video shoots along with a testimonial and directions for website construction, I caught a bus and rode six hours to this location. I don’t enjoy spending excess money for lodging since I’ve already paid rent in Cebu but after the horrice experience of staying in a lower end hotel in Dumaguete, I chose to pay a bit more than my comfort level and I’m glad I paid a bit more.

Avenue Suites is a great hotel. Modern look, professional and friendly staff, and most importantly, for me, a really comfortable bed. I chose a single room so it’s a bit small but it suits my needs as I typically don’t spend a bunch of time in my hotel room. Soft linens and nearly perfect pillows cuddled my body as I rested for nearly a full eight hours.

Today, Thursday, January 9, 2020, I am grateful that:

I made the trip to Bacolod. I’d been reluctant to ride for six hours on a bus. Additionally, the bus didn’t have air conditioning so I thought my trip would become unbearable but I was pleasantly surprised. The evening trip, bus departure at 4 p.m. local, travelling through the mountains, a cool breeze filled the bus cabin for the majority of the trip. The only true discomfort was awaiting departure from the terminal but after leaving Dumaguete the cabin comfort was pleasant and I’d certainly make the trip again with one exception, I’d leave about an hour earlier so I could see the sunset while driving through the mountains.

I shot a video testimonial for Gary and Glenna yesterday. He’d asked for one and I’d agreed but the script he’d written didn’t sound authenticate. It sounded more like him than me and I’m glad I chose to rewrite the script and add some authenticity. We shot a couple of testimonials and I departed shortly after for the bus. It’s great to help those moving in the same direction as I.

I rested well. During my time in that “dark place” sleep was so elusive. I would go for days without rest. Meditation, sleeping pills, sex, and other things didn’t help. I simply couldn’t sleep. I would lay awake, tossing and turning, exhausted, only to watch the sunrise and me doomed to start another day of work without any sleep. People unfamiliar with the situation would comment ignorantly, “A lack of sleep hasn’t killed anyone” and I’d sarcastically reply, “Yep but it is a form of torture for prisoners of war.” Resting well has help my mental state. I’m more friendly to the hotel staff than I would have been normally and glad for a respite from Cebu.

How did you rest? What’s the one thing you can do today to be great?

Be Great. Be Grateful!!!