I recently returned from an amazingly full family visit – my daughter and husband, grandchildren, new partners, four lively great -grandsons, two babies on the way and all the activity that accompanies a growing family. We even gathered to celebrate my Gemini birthday.
Soon afterward, I attended a family gathering to celebrate the lives of two sisters-in-law, as well as a nephew and brother-in-law who passed away during the pandemic. Some 60 family members spanning four generations, came together with heartfelt stories, meaningful connections and countless hugs.
There was so much goodness in these family times, that I came home with a deep sense of care, kindness and an ineffable gratitude. It felt like more than I could absorb.
It was a bit of a blur and rest of my life feels blurred too.
I find myself making lists so I don’t forget the – the appointments, the paperwork, the people I want to connect with, and the details the quietly accumulate into my life.
I try to protect time for things that nourish me: writing, photography, paying attention to beauty, reading, and listening to podcasts. Yet even these seem touched by blur. Sometimes I can’t recall the title of a book I have been reading without looking at the stack beside my chair. Sometimes after listening to a wonderful podcast in the middle of the night, I discover in the morning I can remember almost none of it.
Perhaps this what abundance feels like sometimes – fullness beyond my capacity to absorb it.
So, each morning I try to remember to pause.
- To breathe
- To reflect
- To focus on what matters today
I am reminded that we cannot see our reflection clearly when we rush past the water.
It is only when we become still that the surface settles.
Perhaps that is enough for today. Not to take in more but to let the waters settle.
I delight in sharing my thoughts, such as these, in a newsletter, typically every few months. And now and then, ideas show up our Facebook page. Always love to hear from you via email.
