Summer is usually a big biking season; however, I was drawn to walking. It’s slower and gives more time for contemplation and taking in the world around me. So if I felt like walking, I didn’t judge and just walked.
I napped when I needed to nap In my family, an “official nap” is 20 minutes long. I took several “official naps” in a row regularly. Whenever Goldie crawled into my lap and snuggled, I stopped what I was doing and let him. Sometimes we napped together this way.
I went to bed early and got at least 8 hours of sleep every night.
Goldie, my napping buddy.
From top to bottom: The Arch in St. Louis, my uncle’s memorial, Sunset over Green Bay, Lake Michigan from Whitefish Dunes State Park in Door County, WI.
I cut back on my socializing. I needed lots of alone time and was intentional and dedicated to honoring that need.
I didn’t just sit still either. I traveled.
I took a trip through Missouri with my niece and nephew. We circled through the state, visiting Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield; Uranus, MO (it was the butt of many jokes); the State Capitol; a piece of the Berlin Wall (Yes, you read that correctly. There are several sections of the Berlin Wall on the campus of Westminster College in Fulton, MO); the Arch; and all things Mark Twain in Hannibal. It was a wonderful week.
I attended my nephew’s wedding in Springfield. I visited with family I hadn’t seen since we buried my grandma Lillian in November 2019. We also held the memorial for my uncle, who died earlier this year. We shared stories of him and laughed and grieved together.
I spent four days in beautiful Door County, WI, with my cycling friends. We enjoyed sunsets, incredible views of Lake Michigan and Green Bay, and savored each other’s company and conversation.
I spent a week up north with a group of friends. I biked the Heartland trail with my friend Nathan, enjoyed a happy hour and the company of wonderful people each evening, and spent an entire afternoon reading and floating in Fish Hook Lake.
I capped the summer off with a conference at Purdue University. I invigorated my mind with ideas and my spirit with the energy present at a large research university.
I did things that fed my energy. I listened to lots of music. I put time into creating whatever I was drawn to create. I was intentional about what I took in – what I watched, listened to, and read. If it didn’t feed me, I passed.
I read banned books so I could decide on my own if they were worth banning (the conclusion I always came to was “no.”)
I hung out with my cats and watched their behavior. They know how to rest and are two of my greatest teachers on the topic.
I spent time lying in my hammock, staring at the clouds and the trees.
I went hiking. I drank-in nature as if my very being survived on it.
I wrote thank you letters, blogs, and in my journal. I let what was on my mind, heart, and soul lead the way.
I meditated.
I watched the rain fall. I love a good thunderstorm.
I didn’t stress when I needed to adjust my day or expectations.
I tried to focus on what I could control. We each have a lot of power in our sphere of influence. So I worked to focus my energy there.
This didn’t all happen instantly. It took time for me to slow down and allow this to be. Time to let me be. Then, one day, I realized I felt like my old self again. I wasn’t just surviving the day; I was enjoying it.
This time also allowed me to reflect on and examine my values, energies, and impact on the world. Incredible things happen when we align our values with our talents and I had the time to do this work. There is a lot of upheaval and uncertainty in the US and I want to use my resources and talents to have a positive impact. I believe with every cell of my being that knowledge is powerful. Knowledge can level fear, overcome barriers and challenges, and empower people to take control of their lives and make better decisions. I have the skills, resources, and passion for improving the educational opportunities and quality in my area of the planet. I realized that I can have significant influence in my sphere and that I am bound by noblesse oblige to serve as a change agent, advocate, and activist.
The fall semester begins Monday and I feel ready for another year. Finally, I have my energy, focus, and drive back. I am excited to work with students and look forward to what the year holds for their growth and mine.
Top: Piney and Goldie, my gurus in the study of being.
Bottom: Hiking at Itasca State Park.
