Bright Spots…
This past week has been a little rough. Let me tell you a little about my struggles. My week started with a lack of sleep as I got hit with a bout of indigestion that kept me up most of Sunday night. By mid-week I was fighting a brutal migraine wasn’t just painful, it was also exhausting. I’ve been stressed with home issues (not new ones, just regular spring ones) and work issues. On top of that, I feel rushed and overwhelmed as I try to accomplish my work goals before the end of our fiscal year (August). Sounds pretty awful when I describe it. Here’s the thing. Those were only parts of my week. I don’t know why and I don’t know if it’s just me but I seem to focus on the bad times more than I do the good.This blog is about all the bright spots I encountered over my week. Looking back I recognize that if I concentrate on those times, I’ll see the week for what it was. A normal week. One peppered with smiles, stresses, laughter and maybe a tear or two. The bad isn’t so bad that I won’t survive. The good, though. That’s something else. It’s full of blessings and as long as I remember that, I can honestly say life is good.
I have three reasons for taking a few minutes to write this blog. One, I think in a world buffeted by turmoil, fear, anger and unhappiness, it’s critical to grab the positives and celebrate them. Two, I don’t think I’m the only one going through this. I see it over and over as friends and colleagues share their concerns. We’re all feeling a little rough at this time of year. Three, maybe if I share my bright spots my readers will be reminded of their own. We can all use a little sunshine in lives that get bogged down by dreary days and stress. In no particular order, here are my bright spots from the last week.
A quick thank you for the work I do with my team. It seems a tiny part of the whole week but the thanks came from within my team and nothing means more. They are such a great team. They have fresh ideas, lots of energy and we work very well together. What a bright spot in my week!
A friend suggested I join a writer’s workshop. This is not within my comfort zone. I love writing. In fact, I realize that I HAVE to write. During one of the online writing courses that I’m taking, the author/instructor talked about that compulsion and I lit up. It’s exactly how I feel. I don’t know that I can emphasize enough that never have I felt driven to do something the way I do with writing. I’m always figuring out a paragraph or a character or an opening in my head. I can be doing dishes or scrubbing floors and I’m working out how to describe a scene or set up a chapter. I’m no longer young and I can honestly say I’ve never felt this before. It’s fascinating and frustrating and satisfying. (I’ll be more satisfied if I can sell my stories some day!) Anyway, I signed up for the writer’s workshop. First session was this past week. The weather forecast was awful and I didn’t want to drive in the city and have to face a frightening drive home. I got lucky and the really bad stuff didn’t come down until after I got home. The workshop was not what I expected. Okay, I didn’t know what to expect, if I’m being honest. While it’s a group and they provide requested feedback, I felt rather solitary. I think it’s because it’s opening me up to new possibilities and those are personal and solo. It was definitely a bright spot.
There’s a colleague within our department that I don’t get to work with often but when we connect it’s always fun. I wrote about her in another blog in December. This past week I had to reach out to her about a conference presentation. We spent half an hour on the call and laughed so hard I had to wipe away tears. She’s got an infectious laugh and seems so comfortable in who she is - what a treat that is. I’m looking forward to seeing her in June and I know it will be another bright spot in my day.
My sister is very creative. She got the art genes in the family. I did not. She’s been working on taking some of the squirrel pictures I send her from my yard and turning them into illustrations for the first children’s book I’m writing. I’m sure she doesn’t realize what a bright spot that brings to my day. First, I don’t think she’d be working on the drawings if she didn’t believe that I can do this book and second, they’re so well done. The idea of each chapter opening with one of her illustrations is very exciting for me especially when I get overwhelmed by my current work scheduled. (Now I just have to sell the series!)
One of my team shared a bird app with me. A few years ago my mom gave me a vintage looking bird feeder for Christmas. She thought it would go well with the house. I’ve had it out for the last couple of years and am always fascinated by the different birds that come to visit but not being a bird person I rarely know what I’m looking at. When I got this app, I became hooked! It is so cool. It will record the birdsong and tell you what you’re hearing. It’s so much fun. When life gets a little blah, I can sit outside for a few minutes, put on the app and get engrossed in the life going on around me. I get fresh air, a break for my brain and some joy in a busy day. It’s a wonderfully bright spot that I’ve been enjoying even more as the weather warms.
It didn’t happen last week but in the week before I ran into someone who retired from our company about five years ago. She’s working for one of our partner companies now and she positively radiated happiness. We were able to take a few minutes and chat. I couldn’t get over how much she’s enjoying her newest adventure. It’s an especially bright spot when I’m in my own countdown. Too many people say things like, you’re too young to retire (I’m not), what will you do without work (I have a plan) and people retire then die (and yes, that happened just this week). I looked at this woman and thought, that’s going to be me. I’m going to follow my passion.
I have incredible family, friends and neighbours. Whether we are together or connecting through text or phone, it’s always a bright spot in my day to hear from them. Sometimes they’re feeling down and reaching out for support. You might wonder why that’s a bright spot. It gives me a warm feeling to know that I’m trusted to provide encouragement, an ear, a boost or whatever is needed. That’s a treasure in my life and I thank you for believing in me.
This is a short blog today because I have lots I want to get done before the work week starts tomorrow. My bright spots include a made bed, scrubbed floors and good music. I’m blessed because I keep going and I continue to find my way. I’m living and learning and so appreciative for readers. I hope you’ll stick with me. If you like what you read, share it with others. Happy April! The showers will bring the flowers!
Sat outside with my tea this morning and these are the birds identified by the app. Really enjoyed the few minutes I took to relax.
My cardinals have returned. The female is a little camera shy but her partner seems to love posing!
Some interior transplanting has taken place after a great indoor growing season this winter.