Yesterday dawned gloomy and grey. I awoke to the sound of heavy rainfall and, for a moment, gave thanks for the new roof and gutters finally completed this summer.
A mist rose over the muted green and brown trees on a hillside that should be more colorful this first week of October.
Where are all the pretty colors? We ask the question without expecting a response. They likely won’t come this year thanks to a long, dry summer.
The day was cooler and quiet save for the rain or perhaps because of it.
Fall began on the calendar last month. In my corner of the world, it began yesterday when I awoke to cooler air and a distant mist that was both spooky and reassuring.
Fall has arrived, the day said. Relax and understand that summer’s incessant heat isn’t your burden to carry.
I learned something about myself this weekend and I’m not sure what to make of it.
It seems that I have lost my ability to just sit down and relax.
Life has been busy. Since I have been feeling better, I feel driven to do as much as possible. Life has taken me out on adventures but I’m also working in my yard, attempting to reclaim poison ivy laden flower beds, cut down some brush, and make the place look a little more presentable.
I won’t bore you with all the other big and small projects keeping me busy but the point is that lunch breaks have been almost nonexistent and my evenings and weekends are full. Most evenings I head straight to the shower at dusk, hungry and covered in pollen and dirt. I can go for days without sitting in my comfy chair or without turning on the tv.
I’m often tired and sore by bedtime. Could I knock off whatever I’m doing a little earlier? Yeah, but the thought of quitting isn’t appealing at all.
On Sunday, I bought myself a fun snack, intending to sit in my chair and watch a movie. So I sat in my favorite chair, munching on Planter’s Cheese Balls while the tv played and I stared mournfully out the window.
My attempt at relaxation was stressing me out so I finally put on old clothes and headed outside to plant a few things and cut some brush.
On the one hand, I’m grateful for the newfound energy and for the gumption to deal with the hard stuff. On the other hand, it would be nice to give my body a break and rest for a while. Yet, the yard work is therapeutic. It has been good for my mental health to dig and pull and strike things with a hoe.
For now, I’m going to keep powering through and be grateful that my body allows me to do so. It is such a shocking difference from this time last year that I’m struggling to see my inability to sit still as a bad thing.
What about you? Do you know how to be still or are you always on the move? I would love to hear your stories.
The above pictures is not my yard. It’s at Kingwood Garden Center in Mansfield, Ohio this weekend. The gardens here are amazing so I will show you more pictures tomorrow.
As we look toward the transition from winter into spring, it seems an appropriate time to stop and reassess our own circumstances, lifestyle and choices. The hint of seasonal change always makes me more philosophical.
No matter your place in life, it’s important to pause occasionally to make sure you’re on the right path and to change course if needed.
Where is the path taking you? Are you facing mountains that need climbing? Have you wandered off in the weeds? Maybe you’re lost but maybe you’re exactly where you need to be – even if it feels like you can’t see the forest for the trees.
Ask the tough questions and take action when needed.
My October vacation was nearly perfect but not for the reasons most people love their vacations. I liked it for the way it was structured.
Hear me out.
A few days were spent away from home, in places I did not know and could explore for the first time.
A couple days were spent exploring in my own region.
There was a day spent with my folks and an evening around a camp fire with extended family.
And there was time spent at home cooking, doing projects and relaxing with Scout.
Nothing cost a lot of money. I had time with others and plenty of solo time as well.
The last day was spent at home doing small chores, reading, watching a movie and reflecting on a nice, long break from work.
Going back to work the next day was ok.
It was important to allow that down time and to prioritize reflection. Too often we we don’t stop and think about what we have just experienced. We simply enjoy the moment and then push forward to the next. Happiness is connected to gratitude and it’s important to be grateful for the good and even the mundane that we have experienced.
Whether it’s a vacation, dinner with your family or an afternoon at the museum, you will be well served to revisit those memories as much as possible.
You will be happier for it.
Tomorrow we’ll talk about a fun discovery I made while exploring my own area. Hope to see you back here soon!
