“Take a deep breath. Get present in the moment and ask yourself what is important this very second.” Greg McKeown
When I chose presence as my word for 2023, I thought it would be a challenge. But I underestimated that challenge.
I have always functioned well in the early morning.
I like to get up early and coffee is the first thought out of a sleep-dulled brain. One of the joys of retirement is the free time to sit, sip, and speculate. Newspapers are no longer delivered and that is unfortunate. A friend shares her paper–which comes in the mail–so yes, the news has already been aired the night before and that morning. The crossword is still enjoyable. For years I felt that I needed to finish that before starting any other projects. Without that paper arriving early, that habit went right out the window.
So, I usually turn to Wordle and glance through some email… Already I’m not living in a state of “present”, but veering off in different directions like a cat chasing a toy. Then it occurs to me that I haven’t had breakfast yet! I don’t have as many obligations these days, but I function better with some scheduling. Since stopping some of my volunteer work, this has been a struggle. A day when I have an appointment–even a dental one–gives me form and focus to the day. I will finish chores quickly because I need to be ready to leave. But when I come home, I feel like I’ve done something worthwhile already, and I don’t really want to start any big jobs. If I haven’t assigned myself to query an agent with my book or some other specific task, I will be bouncing again between Instagram and the notes on my desk.
It was Henry David Thoreau who said, “The thinnest yellow light of November is more warming and exhilarating than any wine they tell of. The mite which November contributes becomes equal in value to the bounty of July.”
It was my mother who said, “Fall makes me sad as everything is dying.” Although that is true, I feel that it is also a time of slowing, of preparation, and of gathering. Thanksgiving finds most people sharing food and stories with family or friends. We are beyond the busyness of summer and not yet feeling pressed to do the busyness of the holidays.
November gives us permission to settle in for the winter, wear cozy socks, enjoy a fire, or read a book. This is especially enticing after the constant political ads we’ve endured.
As I attempt to finish my second children’s book, I look forward to sharing it with all of you very soon. The first, “Love Keeps a Promise” is available on Amazon.
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you or forsake you. (Deuteronomy 31:6)
It seems each day we’ve more to fear,
A pandemic and an election year.
Sick of masking, washing, and being apart,
We want to hug friends-because it’s good for the heart
Kids study at home virtually and dad office is the spare bedroom,
Yoga class is on TV and grandma’s learned to Zoom.
Life still advances whether we’re ready or not.
I remind myself God knows the battles I’ve fought.
The only way I calm myself when things are out of hand,
Is calling on my faith that God is still in command.
Not sitting back, but standing up where I can,
Letting worries drop and scatter like grains of sand.
Connie's Comments and Verse 