Mind murmur

I love working in the office. I just wish the commute was not so significant (280 miles round trip).

April's Arrival

Well, March is done.  It was all over the board.  Suffice it to say that I finished strong at work.  Further focus is not required; it's time to tread....

For a Sunday, today was successful.  I started at the gym.  It was only 40 minutes, but it was something.  I'll take it.  The rest of the day was filled with being a Mom and a daughter. 

I began making a monthly plan....  There's lots to do, but all of it doesn't have to get done.  I need to prioritize; it's possible....  I am a doer more than a thinker.  I like to plan, but have learned that too much planning puts me in paralysis.  When I do, I move.   Thankfully, my movement of late have been forward.  I believe same is a result of focusing on what works for me, and on what advances my needs and wants, rather than focusing on what others might expect of me.

Daily dose of delight:  going with it....

Plan for Poetry Month

My second grader told me last week that April is poetry month.  I was a bit nervous about recognizing that until I reminded myself that anything I do will be great -- my approach does not have to be amazing; an attempt will be more than adequate.

In preparation, when we were at the library yesterday, we got 2 books.  Tonight, we read the first chapter of Poetry Matters by Ralph Fletcher.  We also read some Shel Silverstein and Robert Frost.  The latter is by far my favorite.  Specifically, we read The Road Not Taken, which brought back memories of high school when I memorized that poem for declaration.  I also read Into My Own, a recent favorite.

My Son wrote a poem,

Mom, you're a bomb!
Can I rhyme.
Well you tell me.
Can it be?
Do you think I can?

With that, I consider the first day of poetry month a total success.  Here's to hoping that we can keep it up....

Living and learning

I just spent 20 minutes composing a post, which I then proceeded to somehow delete.  Once again, I live and learn.  Now my time is not mine, so the post will have to wait.  For now, I will relish in the realization that I am learning so much from my Son as I teach and nurture him.  He gets things done, and lives in the moment.  I am grateful for that.  This week, he turned in a school project 2 days early (which is when I would have been starting it).

My fear of raising a reluctant reader has been ridiculously reduced.  Three times already this week, he has said that the book he is reading on the Kindle is addicting.  He is so proud of himself for having finished two chapter books since Friday.  He wanted to read rather than watch television or play video games. 

Significantly, if he doesn't like what he's reading, he simply reads something else.  This approach is eyeopening for me.  I recall times when I did not read because I hadn't finished the book I was reading; I couldn't move on until that one was done.  My life is more complete when my Son rebels (consciously or not) against how I needlessly did things.

Weekly Wanderings

Last week at this time, I intended to stay strong.  I did, and as anticipated, I didn't go wrong.  I ran 3 times, I worked out at the gym twice, and I was active each of the weekend days.  As a result, I feel better physically and mentally.

I took time to exercise.  Taking that time did not detract from, and in fact facilitated, my ability to be an effective mom and employee.  Some other things got done, and some didn't, but....  Everything doesn't have to get done; acknowledging and accepting that is liberating.

Figuring out what to fit in and when is so worth it. 

 

Appreciation is awesome

Yesterday was a total failure.  BUT, what a difference a day (and an attitude) makes.  It took some energy, but remembering to appreciate turned the day around; it was a total success!  Unlike last night at this time, I feel fulfilled.

That fulfillment flows from appreciation.  I took time to appreciate knowing what I need and loving what I have.  My Son and I rode our bikes to attend several open houses.  It was fun to be outside and active with my Son.  The houses were fine, but we left them liking ours better.  What a great feeling!

Rather than getting frustrated with my Mom during our weekly visit, I simply appreciated that I am able to spend time with her, knowing that it is finite with her 92nd birthday just a few months away.  Our time was not without mishap, but it was our time nonetheless, and for that I am appreciative.

Tough times....

Another sandwich Sunday, morning mass with my Son and afternoon mass with my Mom.  Not much for me, until now with Yanni on WGBH and a cup of Tazo tea.  I totally don't feel like working, but....

I don't have as much support as I need right now, and that's unfortunate.  However, I will stay strong.  Tomorrow I will run because it is one of the best things I do for myself.  Currently, it is critical. 

Today I was not at my best, and I almost fell apart at least 3 times.  Tomorrow will be different - better by far.  I owe that to myself and to those who are important to me.

This past week I ran twice.  Those were the 2 best days of the week.  That run amount was better than the prior week, but not even close to where it needs to be for me.

The week is done.  Here comes another one.  I'll give it my best and hope for it right back at me.  I will stay strong and I won't go wrong.