For weeks, dreading this holiday season, I’ve watched myself escape into anything other than the present. Consequently, with these special days looming, I worried about my ability to take care of what needed to be done.
In the immediate past (like two weeks), I’ve started most days with five minutes of meditation. The idea is to keep myself present—at least, present to whatever duty requires my presence. No way am I going to totally disavow escapism as a way of life, since it’s been a part of me, lo these many years.
Sunday’s weekly brunch for my sons came together as planned.
Monday, I feared missing out on my swim session without repeated reminders. Instead, I told myself all would be well, that I would remember, thus freeing my mind to really pitch into what had to be done.
What an amazing day Monday turned out to be. I had two boxes to send, probably on Tuesday. But before completing my daughter’s package, I had to finish a project begun weeks ago, then set aside. A good thing I’d eaten a large breakfast. I went to work.
The project was revised, printed out, and packed—in fact, both boxes were packed and sealed—with still time to swim before the pool closed. Immediately following my swim, I stood in line at the post office to mail the packages, drove to the credit union to take care of three matters, on to the library to drop off three books and pick up one hold, and finally back home to a mid-afternoon lunch.
Yay, me! I took the rest of the day off.
Most of Tuesday was spent avoiding the idea of tackling Christmas cards, but in the evening, I completed the first two. It would be more time-efficient to write a general letter to insert in each, but since I couldn’t bring myself to do that this year, each letter is getting its own handwritten note.
This morning has been devoted to more cards. And finally, to write up this blog. The lesson is: We can do what we must.
Holidays are good.
Deadlines are invaluable.
So, how about that little matter of Global Warming?
Kate Harrington 