Softly Sidling By the Hustle and Bustle
Swapping ‘to-do’ with ‘to-be’
The sun is shining today. The thick greyness that has dominated the sky over the past few weeks has shifted, leaving a watery blue sky and a sun I’m pleased to see.
As I write this, I’m surrounded by the last bits and pieces of my packing efforts. Tomorrow, we start our journey to Australia. Being able to sit here with my laptop feels luxurious almost. But the time is important to take, as I breathe, reflect, and write.
I’ve been focused on the things I need to get done. It’s not how I live my life anymore, so to be back in that space feels familiar yet slightly uncomfortable, like an old pair of shoes that you once loved and put on again, after a season or two, and they’re a little stiff. I don’t think I want to be in that space for any length of time anymore. Yet here I am.
It’s inevitable, a to-do list, when you’re about to embark on a 15,000 km journey and be away for four months. We are conveniently skipping the winter this year, hopping over the darkness, cold, ice, and slush. I’m grateful. I’m also curious. Curious as to how my body and mind will respond to this change in season.
The slowing down during winter, the Wintering (to borrow Katherine May’s word), is important for us. But people live in the tropics and don’t have winter and seem to thrive so I’m sure we’ll be okay! I’m going to slow down on the beach instead. Slow to a crawl if my current energy level is anything to go by.
I’ve had several conversations during the past few weeks that have really pointed out the stress we’re carrying, collectively. People are worried and hurried. They’re grappling with ill parents, stress at work, mounting administrative duties, hurry-hurrying to the next thing, the next thing, the next thing…the state of the world, the pain and suffering of children…
Now breathe.
S l o w l y.
Because this is not how it’s meant to be. The rushing. The hustle and bustle. The noise, the doomscrolling, the jumping here and there. It’s just not. It can certainly be addictive though. Our brains love the rush of feel-good hormones, a cocktail that slowly numbs us as we search for the next hit.
Now breathe.
S l o w l y.
Just typing this word with spaces between the letters is a forced pause. My fingers normally fly over the keys (except not really because my typing speed isn't that good!).
So my list is almost done. Two suitcases sit by the door. My plant-babies have temporary other homes. People have dropped in all weekend to hug us goodbye. The fridge almost empty as we snack on random leftovers.
I’m happy to leave the to-do list behind. Swap it out for a ‘being’ list. I’ll be with family, be with friends, be in the warmth of the southern hemisphere summer. Be present and mindful, kind and compassionate, grateful and giving.
All things that make for a joyful life.
Stay well,
Lisa X
🌸A warm welcome to my new subscribers. I’m so glad you’re here. Leave me a note in the comments or reply to this if it’s email form. Let me know about you, how you like ‘to be’.
🎤 Fellow Aussie, Tim Minchin, and his song that never fails to bring a tear to my eye. I’ll get to see him in person in February 💜
Love the thought of a "being" list. So much better for mental and physical health. Safe travels and thanks for the music!