Unplug, Unwind, Ground....

Anne & Leigh after a hike...

As most of you know, I just recently accepted a new position as an Assistant Principal at Cape Central High School in Cape Girardeau, MO. I am extremely excited about the career change and can't wait to get started.....with that being said, an abundance of change is occurring. As everything in life, the only constant in our lives is CHANGE....I believe when change happens we must sit back and ride the wave! Although it is fun and challenging, it can also be scary in the same breath. New town, new digs and new routines can cause us to get frazzled at moments that should be embraced and cherished..... I am in the driver's seat of my life, so what was I going to do to give 110% of Leigh Ragsdale to the next chapter of my life?

Take a trip? EXACTLY!!!! So I decided to meet my friend Annie......





Anne left the Midwest in May to roadtrip out west. She is extremely organized and had planned everything until I met up with her. I am not a planner at ALL....which is why we are the best of friends. We have been besties for years, laugh really hard together and have the same zest for life. Once we hit Highway 1 and started up the coast, I don't think that we said one word to each other. There was a lot of gasps, moaning and jaw dropping at the beauty ahead of us and all around us....What we experienced during our short trip up the coast to Big Sur was something that will be branded in our memories forever. Pictures will NEVER do it justice, it is honestly MAGICAL!!!!

During my time in Big Sur, I was able to shut my mind off (it helped that there was absolutely no cell phone service and we were kinda off the grid)! I made so many efforts to stop, breathe, embrace and ground. I took time for myself to enjoy what was right in front at the MOMENT! Living in the moment can be a struggle for me, as I want to capture the moment instead of LIVE it...I was able to meditate and focus on what was important in life! I actually remember what it felt like to RELAX....

Sunset at Big Sur, Califo

Moral of the story....You don't have to go to Big Sur to unwind or recharge, you can do it in your own backyard, park, bedroom, car, beach, or whatever safe place that you choose. We must relax our minds to be able to give 110% to ourselves, others and the world. Take a moment, look around, breathe it in, be thankful and embrace it....





Happy Trails,

Leigh xoxo

#WestieBesties