Hi there, lady who is feeling tired…the one who is the engine of the family train.
I see you.
You’re probably running around being helpful, sharing your thoughts on how to do it faster, fixing leaks and problems before they escalate.
You’ve thrown in some washing, unloaded the dishwasher, put the coffee on and checked that everyone’s up.
You’re thinking about when you’ll walk the dog.
If you’re lucky, there are no impossible mountains today (illness, loss, fear, lack). But still, you feel tired.
Yes, yes, life is good when we’re busy and we’re all thankful to love the people we’ve been given to love. We feel full of purpose and usually grateful that we have washing machines and dishwashers and dogs and kids, coffee to make and cars to fill with gas. All of it.
But we get tired, then it’s time to rest.
Here are my favourite rests. Free and always available to me (or to you!).
A quiet cup of coffee. I make my own at home and I love my long blacks from my little Nespresso coffee maker. Inexpensive and so good!
Standing in the driveway of our home at twilight, in all seasons. I look up at the gum trees, and the evening sky and remember to take big breaths for the first time all day.
Lying flat on my back on the living room carpet. I stretch my arms up and relax my shoulders (always rounded from too much writing!).
The older I get, the more I focus on what I love, and what I can control. Little pockets of rest and peace are available to all of us — usually without a price tag!
All we need to do is figure out what feels like rest. Is it coffee? Nature? Stretching? Sorting a drawer? Then do that!
Work, rest, repeat.
It’s one good way to love our age!
Catherine x
ps. This sweet cup and saucer is Shelley English bone china. I was lucky enough to inherit a set of two from a dear friend. I treasure them and think of her. xo