back to basics
December 29, 2016 § 1 Comment
Vacations intentionally tend towards indulgence, time empty of responsibility and ripe with endless possibilities. When we travel, each menu becomes a treasure of choice; I consciously seek out those dishes with fresh ingredients that demand extra care and settle into the pregnant space of anticipation.
I am the same with new environments, surveying my surroundings for beauty with an eagerness toward pleasure and discovery. I observe strangers with the same fascination I delight in nature; mysteries completely immune to my attention.
These are simple personal truths, distant cousins to my tendency toward sad novels or my preference for silence. The everyday truths and vacation indulgences are casualties of distraction; joy lost in the rut of routine and the chaos of false expectations.
Little fears that worry the peacefulness of contentment. Am I succeeding in parenting? Is my partner fulfilled? Gestures of maturity and accountability that overshadow the value of pleasure. Are the rooms tidied, the laundry washed, papers signed and appointments scheduled?
This vacation I’ve ordered my time at home with the same relaxed amusement I so often reserve for travel; creating opportunity for pleasure with the playful insistency too often lost to the day’s demands. Small, selfish gifts of time that make the days longer despite the season.
I’ve let the kids’ bedding remain wrinkled in the chaos of each night’s dreams, looked the other way at the remnants of Christmas gifts that weigh countertops with forgotten clutter.
Instead, I’ve woken early to exercise, squirreled away stolen hours for new books, let the laundry wait, and interrupted our children’s interests with invitations for family time. In another week, when the mechanics of school days disrupt us from the ease of these holiday luxuries, I want to live more mindfully of these basic truths.
It is, after all, a tradition of clean slates and good intentions as we dress the New Year in hope for our best selves.
I’ve not yet drafted a list of goals or settled on my One Little Word. I’m still sounding out the shape of my promise, savoring the space between recognition and choice.
To exercise, breathe, rest, and read.
To play and listen with care and curiosity.
To live mindfully, with gratitude.
It is a return to basic truths and small delights.
scribblechic 
Beautifully written Marie…a gift of self 🙂