New Decade, New Year

If you're a blog stalker, you know that I don't really make New Year's resolutions.  But, what about new decade resolutions?  Is that even a thing?  I suppose it is if you make it one.

I've taken review of events of the last decade; my mother-in-law passing, death of my sister-in-law, marriage of my niece Karen, birth of my great-niece Iris, moving from the farm and in to town, celebrating 25 years of marriage this past September, 20-year  anniversary at work, ran a 5-K, started mountain biking and snow shoeing, losing friendships, making new friendships, readjusting to relationship or friendship dynamics (change), closing down my studio. There were probably more, less memorable events, I'm sure but nonetheless insignificant when the totality of everything rolled together brings me to who I am today.  

You can't help to but to take stock in the "who I am today" part of that last sentence.  More importantly, do I like who I am and where I am.   Every day, of course, is a chance to make each day better than the previous.  So why wouldn't you take the opportunity to do the same with a new year or decade?

Life is all about change; nothing is static.  There are so many moving parts, moving players, events.   To stay the same through it all, is to become stale or stagnant.   Without growth, withouth intention or desire to change, you're merely going through life on autopilot.   One of my mantra's has been "Life isn't a spectator sport," which I firmly believe.  

None of us can predict what life hands at us, but we can hope to be ready for whatever may pop up on our radar.  

Live in Spirit, live with intention, find joy in each moment, take responsibility for your life, your choices, and celebrate each milestone of the journey.   

Live a life worth living, each and every day.

Winter in October

This was a complete slap in the face.  We are just coming off a two day blizzard and 17 inches of snow.  I know, it's the Northland, and we can always expect to have snow any time after Labor Day, but a blizzard?  That's just dirty!

So Friday was stressful for me.   Blaine has officially parked his scooter in my garage, which means that I'm his primary mode of transportation until next spring.  The city bus picks him up and gets him to Wal-Mart and I take him home.  I don't mind; it gives me one-on-one time with him.  It's never a dull moment with him.   But it's also stressful, especially when the buses aren't running due to storms, which was the case on Friday. 

I tried, I really did try - against the wishes of T.  He thought I was nuts when I walked out the door to go pick Blaine up and take him to work and then to my own work.   He wasn't pleased at all. But I knew it was coming from a place of concern...protection. 

I'm stubborn though and put on the boots and walked out the door, right in to a snow drift.   I trudged through it and headed to the garage.  Opening up the garage door was a shock...and so I closed it and went back to the house and sent a message to Terry that I couldn't get Blaine to work.  Then I told work that I wouldn't be in either.

I spent the day Friday walking from window to window to check the weather.  I watched Netflix, made homemade tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches, did a bit of yoga, and tried to take a nap.  (That didn't happen).   Yesterday, more of the same.   I discovered that I'm not a fan of being idle; I have too much energy.  

Which leaves today, Sunday.   I took Blaine to work then hit the gym.  Man, did it feel good to work off some of that energy - to move.   I upped my weights on the chest press, did some intervals on the rower, and worked up a good sweat.  It felt good.  

Another Year

Yesterday was my 57th birthday.  I can't say that I feel any older though.  Really, what difference does a number make?  I still feel 45ish in mind...the body slightly older.

It was a quiet day for the most part.  My supervisor brought caramel rolls for my birthday, which was nice of her.  And I received the customary phone calls from siblings.  Several staff  made a trip to my corner to give me birthday greetings and hugs.

I could have taken the night off from the gym, but decided to stick to my recommitment of Health.  I'm glad I did, because it was a kick ass workout.

My Birthday wish was for a quiet night at home, which I received.  Sometimes it really IS about the simple things!

The Value of Time

Here we are, September 8th.  I can make the usual comment of "where did time go to?"  But I won't.  We all experience the passing of time at frightening speed.  I've never been one to wish away time...it's a precious commodity - just ask someone who is battling cancer or someone who has just lost a family member.    The older I get, the more I appreciate my time;  I guard with every fiber of my being.  Gosh, that sounds terribly anti-social or selfish, doesn't it.   

Allow me to explain. 

I'm entering the 2nd half of my life.  I'm closer to my death than my birth (fact and reality...and no, I'm not kicking the bucket any time soon - at least I hope not!)   In my youth, I was busy making a life for myself - making friends, having fun,  building a career, making money, accumulating material things.  Carefree and unworried about what my future held.  I didn't plan beyond the next day because the next day always came.

As I've aged, I've become aware that there is a very distinct possibility that the next day may very well not come.  Oh, I know that there is never a guarantee at any age that tomorrow will come...we're all living on borrowed time, right?   What I mean to say is that I value tomorrow more now than I used to.    And because I value tomorrow, I have learned to appreciate today. 

 Follow me?   Let me explain further.    

I stated earlier about guarding my time.  One of the biggest things I consciously do is to spend time with quality people; family and friends who value me as much a I value them.  I have many acquaintances but my circle of true-blue friends is tight.  I've learned to weed out the fakes or those that are using me for their personal gain.  I will not tolerate them and have zero time for them. Does that sound snobbish?  Perhaps...but I don't care.  My well being is paramount and if cutting toxic people out of my life helps to maintain my well being - then so be it.  

The world has become a toxic place.  As an empath, I feel the toxicity - the dark energy coming off people.  So my time at home is treasured; it is my sanctuary.  I recharge, regroup by cleaning, reading, writing, cooking, napping, listening to music, puttering doing projects, spending  time with hubster.   And when I leave my home, it is truly because I want to.  Am I a recluse? Not at all!  Merely a person who is selective.

And it goes without saying that the gift of health is more important now more than ever.  I've been on a journey the last 20 years to improve my health through diet and exercise.   Recently I've been more focused on well being.  Fitness is a small part of the wellness equation.  I'm taking more time to meditate on a regular basis, research and read more on the divine being and connecting with what makes my soul happy.   We can go through life on autopilot and never really figure out what makes up tics.  Perhaps because we really have to get uncomfortable and acknowledge the inadequacies ; the chink in our armor..... Be vulnerable.  It's tough to do, but necessary.   Why? Because in our vulnerability we find our courage.  And in our courage, we find our life.

~Sherry~