To be more accurate, my enemy of late is named the lack of time. Recently I wrote about finding balance and was starting to feel I was on the right track. Then Jim and I both got sick AGAIN, as in for the fifth time since early November. We spent the days after Christmas coughing constantly, sore all over, and simply done in and worn out. Jim’s serious cold turned into pneumonia and I became his caretaker while still feeling lousy myself. We started 2014 in pretty terrible shape.
The first week of the year was a whirlwind. Still in recovery, we had to start our Web Design class at the community college, I had several writing assignment deadlines looming, and I was quickly losing my sense of equilibrium once again. What I was looking for was some sense of serenity among the chaos. I wanted to move through our busy winter schedule with grace and, instead, felt as if I were spinning out of control, like a top racing off the table edge.
Insert serene image!
I have to thank several friends for inadvertently helping me regain my sense of direction. My friend Kari, whom I have worked with for years, unexpectedly sent me several inspiring quotes.
Just slow down. Slow down your speech..
Slow down your breathing..
Slow down your eating..
And let this slower, steadier
Pace perfume your mind.
My friend Kim then posted a fantastic blog on her site. Simply being reminded that some years ask questions, while others answer them, caused me to ease my whirling mind and reflect on the idea that, while the next several months will be challenging, I fully believe 2014 is a year that will answer questions. Reading about her own search for inner peace in the year ahead, I was able to allow my own thoughts to slow down, knowing I wasn’t alone in this quest. Finally, another friend, Candace, spoke of her own desire to make 2014 about slowing down. She referred to an Elizabeth Gilbert book where the hero had a desire to “work at a pace so slow—that I would be able to hear myself living.”
Today, I feel refreshed, invigorated, and ready to take on everything in my life full on. My search for inner calm will continue, as will the desire for true grace in the face of adversity. But I am confident that this crazy time will transform itself. Our health has returned. Our class is fascinating and will prove integral for our future plans. My freelance writing is going well. Although it started out rocky, 2014 watch out because here I come!
