Several months ago, I had an opportunity to view a collection of bonsai trees. The phrase “In training” was written on a placard by each tree. At the time, it struck me as odd to consider trees being in training, they’re trees, don’t they just grow? Although bonsai trees do “just grow,” they are also …
Over the past few months, I’ve posted about the variation between the theoretical and reality and how, often, the two can be quite incompatible. Sometimes life defies simple answers with its messy complexity and apparent inability to flow according to well-laid plans. Recently, my family embarked on a gardening adventure that reminded me just how …
In my Part 1 post of Know Answers vs. No Answers, I talked about the theoretical versus reality and how the two are often, disappointingly, incompatible. There are so many experiences in life that defy simple answers. I struggle to accept that some situations don’t neatly fit the theoretically known answers and this often causes …
Recently, while on vacation in South Dakota, my family enjoyed a tour of Wind Cave National Park. My kids, especially my four year old daughter, were particularly excited about seeing the inside of a cave. I was not exactly looking forward to the outing, being slightly claustrophobic and always battling a wildly out of control …
By focusing on reality as being an imperfect version of my daydream, similar to a reflected image being an imperfect version of the real thing, it occurred me that maybe I’m actually viewing it upside down.
The underlying stress of COVID-19, safety restrictions, isolation, transitions for my kids, and navigating school social work, my daily baseline is higher, causing increased stress levels due to the constant level of tension. The more I talk to other people, the more I realize this seems to be the new normal for a lot of people. And, I think that says something about this pandemic and the impact that it's having on us, even when the effects aren’t always clearly visible. As I processed my experiences, I pushed myself to be honest and authentic in writing this post, acknowledging the fact that looking back over this year has been difficult and draining.
Maybe we’re all superheroes just by doing our best to make our corner of the world a better place in our daily routines, in our small yet still significant interactions, words, and behaviors.
As we contemplate the past, and consider our future, let’s not forget to incorporate a little bit of grace for ourselves, our neighbors, and those in leadership positions, we’re all only human after all.
Why is it that the things I know bring me back to a better place are the first things to go when I need them the most. The day that I should lace up my running shoes and let the anxiety roll out on the pavement is the day that I curl up under a blanket and start a different kind of marathon (thanks, Netflix).
the unexpected ever afters 