Today is the beginning of my second week under Ohio’s stay at home order. If just 4 months ago you’d told me that I might start to get used to this, perhaps even enjoy it, I would’ve said you didn’t know me very well.
Although I’ve never wanted to work at home, even in graduate school, I am finding that there are some real benefits. Like not having to spend 30 minutes driving to a meeting and finding a parking spot; not having to pack and schlep my briefcase; and not having to decide which shoes to wear.
At work, everything is rapid-fire. Last week even at home it was that way as well.
This week, however, I’ve noticed some of us have begun slowing down a bit, taking time to think, taking time to enjoy the little things—flowering trees, the change in the quality of and length of daylight. The smiles on strangers as they pass my garden door and wave.
I can remember a time in my life when I spent a lot of time dwelling on what I wished were so (“if only…”) rather than simply acknowledging what was so in that minute. Have you ever done that? Are you doing that now?
What I’ve learned, sadly, is that I have wasted a lot of time and energy in my life. That’s why today, I’m not focusing on or bemoaning how we got here (an energy sapper). Instead, I’m committing to a renewed focus—how we can get over this mountain more quickly. So we can get on with our journey.
We’re in this together, so the sooner we can let go of “what was,” acknowledge “what is” and focus on “what could be possible,” the sooner we can start to build our futures.
What are you willing to let go of? And what is your vision for your future in a few months?
I’ll see you tomorrow a little farther up the trail.
Stay safe. Be well.
Sallie
