WHAT I DREAD….but end up LOVING

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I don’t know if you do this but I write things in my head, sometimes for months, before putting pen to paper.  I like to think that ideas are percolating in there just like a comforting coffee pot on a cozy morning, while in my robe and bunny slippers. Or maybe I’m waiting for God to tell me what to say or do.

Last year was soooo long, wasn’t it?  Covid, hanging over our heads, put a weight on everyone, when we were simply sick of it.

But it’s a new day and time where maybe, just maybe, we can start to breathe again.  Sadly, I don’t think “getting back to normal” is a thing anymore.  I think there is no “normal” to speak of.  In many ways, I think that is a good thing. It was like the game, fruit basket turnover, where everyone runs around in circles and then tries to grab a chair before being the last one, without a place to sit. (“Have you Ever” seems to be the modern version.) Three of our four children made big moves to new places last year. All three seem to like their new surroundings and the new opportunities that come with it.  One business failed, unfortunately, and one expanded. Growing toddlers were sent home from preschool every other second and parents scrambled for “coverage” – grandmamas helped – some more than others (thank you, Frances!). Cousins got to know each other and love on one another – when they weren’t fighting over an octagon – giving one to a five-year-old will make you super cool. Fidget toys? Hmmm….why is that a thing?

On to the percolating idea.  I am curious about activities that I literally dread and then when I do them, I wonder why I don’t do them every day with gusto.  There are several that come to mind. Like going to the beach.  I never want to go. Sand in everything, boredom perhaps, worrying about the weather, seems like so much work…  But then when I get there and hear the waves crashing on the shore, feel the warm sun on my skin with a breeze blowing my hair – I think being at the beach is the best possible place to be!

Another is taking a shower. I love a bath but I don’t have a good bathtub where we live now, so it has to be a shower. There’s something about taking off toasty pjs and stepping into wetness that I think will be too jarring for me.  I know my daughter-in-law, Hannah, loves to take a shower because it is time to herself, a tiny bit of self-care.  But I just sort of dread it but then… I step in and the warm water pours down over me and it’s glorious. And my sweet niece, Wynne, gave me shower steamers that just add to the pleasure.  You get to be engulfed in lavender.  Ahhh…

Number 3 is writing a thank you note.  Why on earth does it take me so long to do that?!  I can put it off for weeks! It literally takes less than 5 minutes.  All my daughters-in-law (all 4) are really good with thank yous in general.  One time, I was telling Carolyn NOT to feel the need to write me a note!  She said, “…but I really want to.”  Huh?  That opened my eyes to the joy of getting a moment to express to someone not only my thanks but adding a little love to the envelope – or my preferred, a postcard. My friend, Fay, had a gigantic wedding and had a HUGE list of thank you notes to write.  I went to her house and we laughed and drank while I helped write her notes.  That was love for Fay not the gift giver but there was still love involved.

So, I guess the point is to try and recognize what you dread and why. And if it’s something you end up enjoying, try to start looking forward to it.

Thanks for reading my ridiculously sporadic blog. I love to write but sometimes think I don’t have the time, but then when I write something, I remember how fun it is!  I guess that makes four things. And maybe going to church is one too. Hmmm….this might need to be two posts!