In the movie version of Wilder's Our Town, the character Emily looks back on her life and while looking back at her 16th birthday pleads, "Mama, look at me as if you really saw me." Whew - what a way to shake me to the core and give me a little life wake-up call.
Hearing this line, coupled with my own 11 year old son commenting that Monday was his favorite day of the week, "Because it's the one night of the week when we don't have to go anywhere [no sports practices or extracurriculars for any family member] and we can all have dinner together" - did a little number on me. Needless to say, my priorities shifted. I feel as if I am constantly trying to strive to find that balance between running on the treadmill and living life day by day. I have never been one to live a rote life nor make the same thing for dinner week after week (let alone in the same year). I balk at weekly routines and barely have a daily routine as each day brings such a diverse schedule. I try to open my life to possibilities but with that openness comes the inability to say "no" or to stop and smell the magnolias.
You might have noticed that my last post was in February and now we are quickly diving into April. March was a bust. It was the worst month for deadlines for my work and added to that was a mini-vacation with the husband and spring break week with the kids.
Despite the craziness of March, I really tried living in the moment. I told myself reapetdly to pay attention. I tried not to sweat the little things (like dog hair tufts floating amongst the kitchen tile). I spent hours reading to my kids (rather than tidying up). I focused on being present...alert...and looking my sweet loves in the eye...as if I really "saw" them.
Next up...learning how to say no, graciously. ;)
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