There are times when I think the historical hermits had it right.

All of us know what our lives are like today. We are concerned, at times overwhelmed, too many irons in the fire, the kids to attend to, and then there is the drain that comes with physical/mental and the current social issues.

And, typically what happens is that we don’t take care of ourselves.

Also, let’s not kid ourselves! Those hermits of old didn’t live the glorious life we may think they did and suddenly, we’re back to the reality of today.

How do we take care of ourselves when parental/familial/professional duties are constantly calling us away from our own well being? Where’s the balance? In a word: “Help!”

I wonder if taking care of oneself doesn’t begin with being cognizant of the multiple pathways to being a loving and lovable person. For instance…

There must be time for ourselves. You can call it your private place, your alone time or your time to recharge. We desperately need that alone time because it allows us to take a few deep breaths and try to make sense of what’s happening.

Maybe the commotion in your life is caused by a family member or matter –how does one diplomatically settle such delicate issues? Your alone time will, at the very least, give you moments to hope/pray for a settling and a bringing together again. It doesn’t hurt to have a glass of your favorite wine as you ponder along that quiet pathway.

How about a glass of Ava Grace Vineyards Red Blend? It’s a graceful blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and merlot with subtle tastes of raspberry, some spice and a touch of vanilla to finish your tasting — who doesn’t enjoy a bit of vanilla?

There must be time to socialize — after all, we are social animals! How you socialize today with the distancing requests in place? Socializing is important — what brings you joy? Is it your social club, your church, your group of friends or your family? Today, we must discover a new virtual technique to interact with others. Find that connection and you will laugh with your people. That simple act of joy brings all sorts of physical and mental attributes with it.

I know people who will only have a glass of chardonnay while socializing. Well, grab a bottle of Glacial Ridge’s Kimberly Chardonnay and talk, emote and laugh. You’ll enjoy the wine’s classic creamy chardonnay taste and fine finish.

There must be time to care. We must care for ourselves as well as care for others. Look around you and you’ll see someone who is alone and needs help. I firmly believe in the adage that what goes around, comes around. Find a way to help those in need. However…

There must be, once again, time to take care of yourself. Find your quiet/safe spot and relax. For some of us that might mean a form of meditation. For others, it might mean a soulful prayer. For some of us it might mean a very quiet spot in nature. Find that spot and maybe a small glass of Versasi Dry Marsala will fit in as you enjoy the wine’s sweetness and calming personality.

There must be time to volunteer. Perhaps that volunteering finds you being in an inter-generational environment. Good! Read to some children, sing with them, take them for walks and safely introduce them to the wonder of nature. No wine needed here — volunteering is the salve. Make time for it.

There must be time for love. With all the incivility and uncertainty in today’s world, let love shine — it’s the light that leads us to understanding and patience. Leonard Cohen wrote a song titled “Anthem,” which is about hope in dark times One of the songs best phrases is: “There’s a crack in everything — that’s how the light gets in…”

Love is that light but it isn’t always the fluff and muff stuff. Sometimes it means tough love — a type of love that shows our concern but sets limits — but it’s still love. Maybe a glass of Starling Castle Riesling is the perfect match for love because of its sweetness and elegant balanced fruity tastes.

And, now for the big one!

Make time to laugh! Whether you’re caring, socializing, by yourself, volunteering or loving — laugh! Find your favorite beverage and raise a glass or cup to the world around you and laugh.

Make time for the light — see it, feel it, embrace it and spread it. In the face of tears, tragedy, joy and celebration — faith, hope, love abide, but the greatest of these is love.

There’s time … share it.

As always, eat and drink in moderation but laugh with reckless abandon!

Cheers!