{Sunrise at Jacksonville Beach, Florida}
I have been joking with anyone that will listen to me that I have just about completed my 2012 to-do list and by February 1st will be able to officially start 2013. After spending the previous 18 months in constant motion because of family emergencies, I have once again returned home to clean up the aftermath of being away from home for so long. Following a daily routine of making and completing to-do lists, my home and world are more organized and I am calmer. It is all good.
I am now at the point that I no longer have to just react to the "have-tos" of life and can claim time for my own plans. Planning is part of who I am and I like having structure and goals that allow me to test my abilities each day. But since the death of my mother, I also feel the tension of reaching my goal verses enjoying the journey. Time is precious and I feel the pressure each day to spend it wisely. Of course, that has added a layer of guilt to some of what I do. Just this past week I allowed myself the luxury of reading for hours upon end. I love to read a good book with engaging characters living a life unlike mine. But I admit, the little voice in my head was chastising me for not doing something more "important".
The struggle with the little voice continues but I am claiming that time is mine to spend as I like. For the month of February, I am taking a road trip and heading South. I will be visiting family and reconnecting with old friends while taking up where I left off on a book I am writing. Marty is super supportive and has a couple of adventures of his own scheduled. I will be posting from the road, sharing stories. Time is valuable and I recognize that I need to spend it wisely...and what better way than to follow the sun, spend time with the kids and grandkids and train for a triathlon? How are you spending your time? Are you having the time of your life?
Hugs
C