Stepping Away From the Chaos

There are times in our lives when it becomes necessary to voluntarily withdraw for a while.  It could be for just a moment in order to catch our breath, or it might take a week of retreat and self-care.  The crucial thing is that we recognize our need to take that time, and that we then honor ourselves by doing something about it.
I am getting better at this.  When I feel like life is pulling me in a direction which I know will drain the very Life-Force out of me, I try to allow myself some extra time to do the things which will recharge and re-nourish my spirit.  I give myself permission to step back from all of the chaos which sometimes surrounds me and I spend some time reconnecting with myself, with quiet and especially, with God.  I find that the older I get, the more that this becomes not an indulgence, but a necessity.

What are some of the things that you do in order to re-connect with your spirit?  Do you find it difficult to allow yourself to step away from things for a while, or is this something which has become a part of your daily routine?  I would love it if you would share your thoughts about this in the "comments" section.  If you haven't commented here before, I would really enjoy hearing from you, as well!  You never know when what you have to add might enhance someone else's life.

On another note:

AD2 is graduating from High School tomorrow!  It definitely has not sunk in yet, but I am sure that it will when I see her in her cap and gown.  It will be bittersweet, as my dad, who is very close to AD2, will not be able to attend.  My father was very ill and was hospitalized last week.   He started out with food poisoning(possibly tomatoes!), and he became so dehydrated that they hospitalized him.  Thank God they did, because he was on the verge of having a stroke.  They found some serious heart problems, which we are addressing right now.  He is home, but the doctors are still trying to stabilize him with some very heavy-duty medications.  He must go in each day for blood-work so that the doctors can check his enzyme levels.  Very, very scary especially right on the heels of my younger brother's death from Heart Failure.  I am very anxious about this, which is why I am in need of some extra downtime right now.  Just trying very hard to keep some of my sanity in check.  Any good thoughts or prayers which you can send my fathers way would be greatly appreciated!