What is it about the crackling pops of wood burning that is so alluring? Friday night, after a full work day, we indulged in a simple summer pleasure: a backyard campfire visit with youngest boy & his wifey. Their two dogs joined in, leaning in for a pet or five, we had laughs, snacks, music and a summer favorite – hot dogs cooked over an open fire. The dogs circling, convinced weinies being roasted were just for them ~ later as dusk turned to darkness bats swooped overhead and stars sparkled above. We talked about so much, never finishing one conversation, jumping from one to the next and back again, our heads thrown back in laughter. So lucky – moments like these, with our grown kids, are just the best.
Summer lingers, but it’s mostly on its way out; I’ve made it to the big Lake once, and after hauling my chair, cooler, towels and self to the waters’ edge, the sky opened and rained us out. We packed up and went for iced cream, what else can you do? It wasn’t what we planned, but it was still fun.
Kids are back in school, Halloween candy is on store shelves and soon, pumpkin spiced everything will be upon us. Is it just me or do our seasons feel rushed, and difficult to hold on to?
Yesterday I felt a blanket of fatigue come over me. I know what this is: the rush-rush-rush of my job. Closing the blinds and turning on the fan, I nearly leapt into bed for a “short” nap. 90 minutes later I stretched awake, feeling refreshed, my body smiling in relief. Yes there’s the transition of seasons happening now but I recognize this: it’s years of high stress and endless deadlines, unrealistic expectations and hamster wheels that never stop. It’s not going to change, I know that, so the lesson that comes for me again is in how I change, how I manage, how I cope.
- Friday I said, “no, we can’t take that on, too.” Surprisingly, alternate arrangements were made. Hmm.
- I stopped giving up my weekends. Yes I’ll work late or over a weekend when a project requires it, but no longer because someone disorganized expects me to save them, yet again.
- I’ve joined a church and attend weekly; starting my week and day in prayer feeds my soul.
- Regular walks and daily reading move my body and stretch my mind.
- Rest days are woven in; yesterday was one of them. No guilt.
- Silence ~ being on/in meetings most of every work day, my ears ring from the noise; quiet is healing for me.
Do you feel the seasons changing where you are? What changes does this prompt in you?
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