I experience giddy bursts of sudden energy, like powerful blasts that scream, “Let’s write!” or “Let’s take on all the projects!” It’s a feeling that makes me feel as if I’m Zeus soaring around his throne at Mount Olympus. The duration of these bursts is unpredictable, and I never know when they’ll come again, but those moments of high inspiration make me want to move mountains.
However, reality has a way of forcefully snatching away that feeling. Work, obligations, and never-ending task lists quickly overpower the exhilaration of zooming through the clouds and throwing lightning bolts at the peasants below. It’s frustrating to compare these mundane adulting responsibilities to the electrifying energy I feel during those bursts.
Evelyn has quite the imagination. She wants to throw a birthday party for her worn-out stuffed animal bunny. She’s all dressed up in last year’s already too-small Halloween butterfly costume, eagerly anticipating the celebration at the sandbox later today. All her stuffed animals will be joining the party.
She’s entranced with the idea of using her wings to fly in the sky. We had a conversation about reaching the stars. But when she said, “I can’t do that,” I challenged the limit of her imagination. I responded, “I would go with you,” to which she replied, “You’d fly too, Mama?” I explained that I couldn’t fly on my own, and I would need her to take me. She paused and confidently stated, “I can do that. I have a button that makes me strong.”
Engaging in imaginative play and pushing ourselves beyond the boundaries of what we think is possible is incredibly fun and rewarding.
Now, let’s talk the UPS store. Personally, I’m the emoji face with heart eyes when it comes to returning items there. Just getting there, from finding the right day to remembering the package, to actually following through is stressful enough on is own. However, whenever I step into the UPS store, all further stressors usually dissipate. It’s a simple scan, a question like “Do you want the receipt?” and a friendly “Have a good day.” And the cherry on top of it all is when the refund arrives after the item reaches the seller.
Contrary to my earlier energetic state, I’m in a “not” mood. Spending longer than intended at the park drained my energy, and although a nap in the breeze of our upstairs bedroom would be greatly welcomed, I have a client to see. I’m uncertain how to rally myself and find the energy now.
Oh, if only I were capable of taking a ten-minute shut-eye! Sadly, it feels beyond my abilities. Regarding naps, I need a cushion of time to settle in and out of a nap. Sharp time edges are much too jarring. Between sentences, I’ve closed my eyes, enjoying a few seconds of rest, and feeling my mind and body melt into relaxation.
Our second Airbnb guest departed from our cabin today, leaving a message that they left the key under the mat and that they had a wonderful experience. Two for two!
The one client I saw? Well, it was more than worth it. Despite having only a 3% glimmer of hope for his marriage, I took that small ray and ran with it. I assured him that as long as he hasn’t given up, there is still hope. His homework for this week is to actively engage with his spouse during their entrances and exits, with no ignoring, avoiding, or stonewalling allowed. When he asked why he had to do it (a few minute past the hour), I jokingly told him to leave, to do as I say and that I’ll see him next week.
It’s a beautiful Friday evening here. The sky has streaks of soft pink clouds against an even lighter blue backdrop. Night is slowly approaching, but for now, it’s dusk, and the scenery is simply gorgeous.
Perhaps I’ll spend some time reading. As always, thank you for being here with me.
Love, Jaclynn
PS The photo of this post is from a women’s strength and fitness challenge I did, maybe in 2009? I did horribly, but it was fun!
