"One can never consent to creep when one feels an impulse to soar." - Helen Keller
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Baby Steps
I learned long ago not to spend New Year’s Eve making a lot of resolutions. Even given a boatload of good intention, I would usually not follow through on my resolutions, and would then feel bad. But this year, I am quietly and gently trying to make a few changes in my life.
I’m trying to slow down a bit. With five children and a full-time job, life can seem to careen about at breakneck speed. And still, I wouldn’t feel like I was getting enough done or doing a good enough job at some things. So I’m trying to cut myself a break.
I’m lingering over meals just a few minutes longer. I’m not rushing to get off the phone when a friend calls and needs to talk. I’m spending about 5 minutes longer massaging Ashley’s arms and hands with lotion after her bath. I’m having a cup of tea and spreading a blanket over my legs on cold winter nights. And I’m not panicking if I don’t get my kitchen floor scrubbed each and every weekend.
Another thing I am trying to do is to separate myself a bit from people who present a negative presence in my life. I tell my co-worker who always imagines the end-of-the-world as we know it is fast approaching that I am busy and need to get back to work. I’m reading fewer blogs if the blogger has a tendency to focus on the negative. I’m trying to spend less time around people who ‘drain’ my energy, people whose life is an ALL-CAPS life EVERY MINUTE OF THE DAY.
I’m trying to smile more, rest more, enjoy the extra small things of life more.
So far, it’s working….
Good thoughts! Thanks. You made my day.
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