The watch was a gift, something to not only tell time but track exercise, heart rate, weather, email, even answer the phone. Some of its features, however, allowed it to establish whether I was sitting too long or, as it turns out, if I might be a little stressed. The “code” would light up on the face of the watch, letting me know that “even a minute of breathing would reduce stress.” There are actually a few well-intentioned slights.
As this year has progressed, my watch seems to alert me more often, bringing into focus the truth that all things are not optimal. While this alarmed me somewhat, the fact of “getting used to it” rattled me more. Why is it so commonplace to get used to negative realities? I guess we condition ourselves to positive actualities, so what’s the difference?
There’s a colossal difference, actually. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to wearing a mask—even though it is extremely important. I won’t get used to teaching kids through a computer, or not getting to see friends, or travelling, or really meeting our neighbors, or joking around with complete strangers, or petting random pets, or seeing people’s smiles. Yet, these realities are, hopefully, short term, necessary evils to lead us into a healthier place.
While this year has adjusted our way of life, the moments of synchronicity are clearer, making them sweeter–spending the afternoon playing corn hole with our daughter, son, and his fiancé’, hiking through the mountains, having the time to read a book of choice…these occasions are a remembrance of hope. Plan for them, put them on a calendar and cross out the ones leading up to these possibilities. Trust me; it makes all the difference.
As this year loosens its grip, and we ease into 2021, hang onto those flashes of joy, concentrating on your upcoming dates…and I hope your Thanksgiving proves to be one of them.
Quote of the Day:
“Joy comes to us in ordinary moments. We risk missing out when we get too busy chasing down extraordinary ones.” Brene Brown
Designs on Life 