Week Nine - Better Late Than NEver

It was bound to happen.  There was always going to be a week that got away from me a bit.  And - gasp - it might happen again.  Alas, last week I went for a hike on Thursday afternoon, (and it was a wonderful hike), and then on Friday I went to Jersey for the weekend to attend a class, and I just couldn't get to writing.  All weekend I was ensconced in "Module 4" of my therapeutic music training in a hospital classroom with fellow music lovers.  It was delightful to soak up some great lessons in hospital etiquette, business development and hands on patient techniques.  I felt the tug to write in the evenings but it actually felt wonderful to just let it go.  I was quite pleased with myself for simply eating and sleeping instead of trying to "do it all."  I often spread myself too thin, and what a pleasure at the end of the day to be fed, (I was staying with my oh-so-kind in-laws), put the little one to bed, (Mark and my son joined me for the weekend), and then promptly did the same for myself.  Brain full, belly full, done. 

As I think back to my hike from last Thursday, mostly I am filled with gratitude.  I am so glad I made it to the trail that day.  I am so glad I dragged my groggy self out of the house and up the hill.  I am so glad I have carved out the time in my weekly schedule for nature, for reflection, for this commitment to myself.  The details of what must have been on my mind last week have come and gone, but I recall a bit of dusty snow gently laying on the hard-again dirt and crusty-again leaves.  Quite a change from the previous week's slurp, mush and melting ice.  The memory of this image brings me back to that feeling of gratitude again... I'm so glad I get to witness the subtle variances in the trail from week to week.  This is my choice, this is my privilege. 

As I look to the week ahead of me, and think of my unending to-do list, I'm going to see if I can call in that feeling from this past weekend, (maybe minus the exhaustion part).  Instead of stressing about what's not done yet, I will let go of loose ends and trust that my days are as full as they need to be.  Instead of thinking about what's next, I'll enjoy my food while I'm eating it, do what needs to be done in any given moment, and sleep like a log.  Yeah, this sounds so simple, but maybe it is?  I love the idea of making my life more simple.  And I love how what once made me cringe (missing a deadline, self imposed though it was) has become a lesson in letting go and embracing the present.  I'll letcha know how it goes in a few days!