A winding weekend

This weekend was an interesting one. Che and I had planned months ago to do a backpacking trip in the Ozarks. I watched the weather and simply had to say no. It was going to be cold and raining the whole weekend. I knew that I would struggle to find peace in that setting so I made the difficult choice to stay home on my own. Che planned to stick it out with our Sierra club friends anyway.

So I planned out the weekend as a self-care vacation and put my plans into action. I headed to the grocery store Friday evening and bought all of the makings for my favorite healthy meals that no one else enjoys but me – Eggplant Veggie Chili, Cabbage and Sausage and lots of spinach smoothies. I noticed as I walked through the store that an old sadness had returned. I felt a strange mixture of excited and lonely. I put my hand on my heart in the check-out line and took some deep breaths. I talked to my inners and just let it be.

As it turns out my weekend of solitude ended on Saturday morning. I woke to find Che at home. The cold had been too much and his sleeping bag arrangement didn’t work out like he planned. He was disappointed about missing the adventure but we were both thankful to have some free time to spend with just the two of us.

It ended up being such a nice weekend. We took time alone to finish projects around the house and also enjoyed time to shop and watch a movie together. We were able to connect without distraction. Oh how I savor those hour long conversations over a delicious meal and slow weekend mornings.

I also had the pleasure of meeting with Lisa Bain from Joy in the Cause

We met in the little Starbucks at 91st and Yale and even though the shop was hopping with customers I had the wonderful feeling of being centered in a bubble, just the two of us, sharing our stories and dreams with each other. It is rare that you meet someone so full of optimism and compassion. I don’t think it is an accident that our paths have crossed. One of the things she said in passing was a quote her mother used to say.

“What you see if what you’re looking for.”

What a simple way to describe the thoughts that have been swirling in my mind lately.

I am so very clear that life is what we make it. Some days that feels easier than others as we all know. When the wind is knocked out of you and you want to hide it can be difficult to feel grateful to simply be living. The more I stick with self care habits, the easier it is becoming to find equilibrium again though.

Today I am thankful for a weekend full of space and opportunity

I am thankful for a relationship that can ebb and flow with circumstance

I am thankful for new friends that inspire me

I am thankful for the upcoming holiday to visit with extended family and spend quality time with the boys.

I am thankful for breath.. for life.. for laughter and tickle fights.. for the energy that moves within us all.

I Love you my sweet friends


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