Interlude of Pleasure and Restoration #3
Nearing the end of Week Three of my self imposed Interlude....Here are some sharings/reflections so far....
- It is completely amazing to not be going from meeting to meeting to meeting- my nervous system is SO happy.
- TIME has a whole new meaning and there's so much more space around it and it's wonderful.
- It's amazing to finally have the headspace to focus on the final pieces of making my condo my ultimate sanctuary/a great place to rent if I need to - finally getting the nightstands and lamps I've been wanting, decluttering the bookshelf, going through my closets, organizing my cupboards, etc.
- It feels so good to have time to focus on my wellbeing- the time to think about the nutrient-rich meals I want to eat for the week, organize my shopping list and go grocery shopping without feeling rushed, have winter wonderland hikes, plan cross country skiing trips with friends, weekday downhill skiing adventures, meditate and do my physical therapy pretty much daily without feeling pressed for time. Wow.
- I have finally nearly read all those articles that have been open in tabs on my laptop for MONTHS (c'mon I can't be the only one....) and I have the brain space to reflect on them.
- I have read plays for pleasure. It was always a pleasure to read them for work, but it's a whole other thing to just read them for pleasure.
- The part-time consulting work I am doing for the pay equity project and WAM keep me connected to community and give me a continued sense of values aligned purpose.
- I have time to think about volunteering!
- I'm not feeling rushed when I'm on the phone or run into someone.
- I am looking forward to attending cultural or community events! In the past, I'd be so tired from a days' work and sometimes, while I always enjoyed going, I didn't look forward to it. Now, I'm excited about it!
- I have the headspace and time to help even more with the care-taking of my mom and can do more to alleviate the full-time care-giving my amazing dad is doing.
- I have started watching all those TV shows, movies and documentaries I've wanted to see!
- I have been able to take a four week evening class and been able to really take in what I'm learning because my brain is still fresh enough.
- I have felt immense pride in the announcement of WAM's new Artistic Director and feel such deep knowing and confidence around the success and impact that awaits Molly/Genee and the rest of the team/board.
- I continue to job search and explore opportunities and finally am beginning to have the spaciousness to start to be clearer about what I might want/how I might be of service for my next chapter.
- I have been able to read books, stare out at nature or my fake fireplace, see friends, take random partial day roadtrips, be alone, hang out with Norman Harris and just plain look around and enjoy life.
So far, it's pretty damn amazing.
I don't take any of this for granted. I've worked hard to take this precious time and I'm enjoying it and making the most of it. As I'm living it, I'm reflecting on how all of us need this sort of Interlude and not nearly enough of us, to stay the least, are able to get it....
Bring on week 4.....
