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Saturday, April 19, 2008

Basta Cosi (Enough)

Riding the Bull
Photo by myself, at Bowling Green near Wall Street.

Italian tourists horsed around on the life sized bronze bull sculpture, a symbol of the Financial District. The bull represents a 'bullish' or prospering market.

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As I wrote last night, Mark and I have been working hard and rewarding ourselves as a result.

It's an easy pattern to fall into - you give a lot to your job and your family. You stress out over other people's concerns. You work toward perfection in situations which are far from perfect.

There's always another opinion to win over, client to please, deadline to attain. Isn't life just stressful? It's easy to then think that you deserve more in return.

You eat more, drink more, indulge a bit more. Curiously, I feel that it's in these times of stress that one should scale back. While indulging less, I feel that one should actively value things (your loved ones, your job, your situation) more.

It's just my opinion, of course, an opinion that comes at the end of yet another long week. With the risk of sounding like a complete sap, I'll say this: all I need is a moment to stop in my tracks, close my eyes and tell myself that life is good. I don't need anything more. I already have enough.


For an earlier post about Zen, click here .

14 comments:

Ming the Merciless said...

I was so exhausted yesterday that I went straight to bed super early and slept like 12 hours straight. Woke up this morning feeling great and a spring in my steps.

So a good rest and a little indulgence after a tough week at work is a good thing.

Anonymous said...

I am surprised the bull is still in the same position. I have not seen much bull on the stock market lately. Most of what I do see in that category still comes from the Whine House.

Just kidding, of course. I do like this photo and wonder what is in the minds of those around the bull.

Kitty said...

Hi Ming
Oh dear. I'm wondering whether the allergy season is also a factor these days? Everyone seems to be suffering right now and pollen count is very high.

Glad you got some rest. 12 hours means your body really needed it.

Hi Mr Lincoln
You are up so early, it's scary!
I agree with you completely. Things are feeling shaky even here in NYC, where it's always hopping. The huge number of European tourists right now is a subtle reminder that the country isn't doing very well.

I wish I had a mike to hear what the visitors were saying. And a translator!

Carolyn said...

great pic! I wonder how many pictures have been taken of that cool Bull?

Carolyn

Anonymous said...

Spending time with family and friends can be the ultimate rejuvenator after a hard week! While some swear by shopping therapy, it's the relationships in life that give us our true sustenance.

And I also agree with Ming - A solid night's sleep can be very restorative after a difficult time. That, and waking up to birds singing and a hug from the one you love!

Eva said...

I think you are dead on when it comes to eating more, drinking more and indulging more as a way of rewarding oneself for having to please other people every day.

The bull is a great symbol. Not only for the bull that takes place in the financial market, but all the bull we have to listen to and live up to. Gee, I probably need more zen in my life too. *LOL*

Dana said...

one of the really important things in finding a way to cope with life is to find a way to express what is on the inside through art... you have a gift for photography and I am happy that you have found an outlet for this crazy world we live in! keep up the beautiful photos!

Jane Hards Photography said...

To de stress, moving to a amall island helps.Then you get a whole new set of things to stress you.

I'm glad you have the photography as an outlet for you, and for me as i do enjoy dropping my a viweing a big city, photographed so keenly observed at safe distance

Mom Knows Everything said...

Whenever I get stressed out Ben & Jerry's Chunky Monkey Ice Cream makes it all better for me. LOL

Destitute Rebel said...

Great shot, love it in black and white, how the people are enjoying the man riding the bull.

Kitty said...

Thanks Carolyn.
luckily for the bull, it's very photogenic!

Hi Spandrel
Yes. The sleep does wonders and I haven't been sleeping all that well. Getting out of oneself is good too. Hopefully I'll be able to have enough energy to get back to the gym!
Thanks for your wise words.

Hi Eva
Thank you. I think a lot of people are dissatisfied with things as they are right now. Bull it is, lol.

Hi Dana
Thanks, dear. Taking pictures helps quite a bit. I recommend a creative outlet to those who feel their professions are stressful or limiting, creatively.
We are creative souls (well, most of us) and that part of us should be nurtured.

Hi Babooshka
lol about moving to a small island. I would love to move from this small island to one that's a bit more sane and green sometimes! But then I'd miss it.
Your small island seems idyllic!

Hi Tammy
mmm....ice cream! I love comfort food.

Hi Destitute
They looked like they were having a bit of fun, yes!

Patrizia said...

What a shame. When I see Italian tourists doing these kind of things, I suddenly remember that I am half Dutch ... fortunately!

Olivier said...

la pauvre taureau, les touristes lui en vont voir ;o)) j'aime bien cette photo, le choix b&w et l'effet panoramique.
je voulais te remercier pour tes emails sur les hôtels à NYC, on a réussit a s'entendre avec le New-Yorker (et oui, en vieillissant on a du mal a changer ces habitudes ;o)) ). J'espère que tu seras sur NYC et que l'on aura l'occasion de boire un verre.

The poor bull, tourists will see him o)) I like this picture, the choice b & w and the panoramic effect.
I wanted to thank you for your emails on hotels in NYC, we managed to reach an agreement with the New Yorker (yes, as they age it is difficult to change these habits ;o)) ). I hope that you will be in NYC and that we will have an opportunity to have a drink.

Kitty said...

Hi Patrizia
I think it's fine that people are engaging with the statue! It is metal and won't be easily damaged. I also think it's inviting interaction, since it's on the ground, not on a pedestal

Thanks Olivier
How great that it worked out with the hotel? You're brave to come in the winter, though the last two Christmastimes, it's been mild.

I'll let you know what our plans are. Hopefully we can meet up!