Thursday's Thought

The past few weeks have been extraordinarily busy. I no longer use that phrase as a badge of honor: busy is neither my desire nor my aim, but it has been my recent reality. The circumstances were intentional and pleasant - a weekend out of town, back to back visits from family, and new teaching opportunities - but when added together and layered atop multiple project deadlines, I felt uncomfortably close to my limits. I found myself simply enduring experiences that should have been enjoyed and too easily exasperated. 

I have such grand visions of preserving margin and not taking on more work than I can handle graciously and gratefully, but time and time again I lapse into the too-muchness of life and trying to be all things to all people.

Thankfully, a fellow teacher shared this quote at just the right moment. She helped me remember that the ongoing work of living mindfully is a courageous act, and one we must embrace anew every morning. Rather than allowing our missteps to weigh us down, we can choose to move forward with compassion toward ourselves irrespective of our ups and downs.

So I am trying again. I am taking this new day as an opportunity to re-establish boundaries and embrace whatever comes my way - and I invite you to join me. How can you flex your courage muscle today?