It has proven to be a very busy week, and as much as I would like to say, it was through no fault of my own; but it really was.
As always, I awoke early. Actually I’ve been sleeping in most of this week, and waking at precisely 6:03 for the third morning in a row. Each day, I mentally go through the day’s MUST do list, before I get up. I’ve pointedly given up on “To Do” lists, as I never have a problem filling my days with things to do. And invariably, most of them get done, at least within a couple of days.
I usually manage to find a couple of extra things to add on to make life interesting. I’ve gotten pretty good since retirement at only adding things I want to, and not so much what others want. I don’t do New Years Resolutions anymore, but there have been a couple of things pop up that I decided I wanted to find space in my Happy Planner for. Online Fitness workshops. Virtual Meditation retreats. Creative challenges, #the100dayproject. Oh yes, reorganize my crafting space.
But I must focus first. Focus, girl, focus. I need to be reminded.
This morning, as I was watching the sun come up through the trees, I stepped out on the porch in my Jammies, to breathe in the crisp air. To focus.
I love sunrises at Swallowtail, as you know, but I don’t relish frozen steps…54 of them…in the dark. I don’t mind the cold. This morning, I was content to just take it in from my porch. It kinda felt warm. ish. And I love seeing the ice crystals and soft overnight snow on the evergreens. When I decided to take a couple of pictures, I was looking at the sun coming up through the branches. My lens had a hard time deciding which to focus on…the sun, or the Christmas lights. How similar is that to me, us, I thought. I could choose to try and focus on the sun off in the distance; but then the lights right in front of me become blurry. Or, I could focus on the bright green color of the bulbs right in front of my face, but then I miss the rising glow. 🎵The sun comes up, it’s a new day dawning. It’s time to sing Your song again.
Focus.
I had just read a news update on Orange phase becoming our new baseline. Yellow phase is not on the horizon, so to speak, any time soon. I knew there would be angry responses when I posted it on my Facebook wall. It all depends on your focus.
Whatever may pass and whatever lies before me
Let me be singing when the evening comes 🎵
Focus.
I can’t change it. You can’t change it. I can can change what goes on the Must Do list. So I must choose Joy, right? It doesn’t mean it will be easy. I’d like to keep things in perspective, and think this pandemic is just a short portion of our life line. Just a blip. But sadly it isn’t for some. My heart goes out to those who can’t see the sunrise this morning. Or can’t focus. And my heart goes out especially to a friend travelling out of province to be with her brother in palliative care. To her, family time right now is much less than a blip. I’m glad they will focus on what is truly important, and make it a FULL blip.
For the rest of us, it’s one more day. One more week. Actually, Week#47 of State of Emergency. Red phase. Orange phase. Yellow phase. Does it really matter? Am I focussing on what is most important? Are we living our days fully?
🎵And on that day when my strength is failing
The end draws near and my time has come
Still my soul will sing your praise unending
10, 000 years and then forever more
Focus.
Being Still Now 