Here in Tennessee it still feels like summer, but in fact, kids have been back in school for a month or even two. When I was growing up, school didn’t start until September, and I remember the excitement of a new notebook; a pristine pencil case, unstained by lead; fresh pencils with pink erasers and, of course, new shoes. Being first born there were no hand-me-downs for me. Fall always felt like the moment to begin again – a fresh start.
Cooler weather is on the way and perhaps that’s what triggered my surge of energy – a longing for a fresh start.
Last weekend I reorganized the bathroom cabinets and counter tops – how many mostly-empty tubes of sunscreen does one really need?
On Saturday, I replaced the poor worn-out geraniums in the pots on the porch with rust colored chrysanthemums, purple asters and yellow pansies. That felt very satisfying. On Sunday, I tackled the corner in the kitchen chock full of sunflower and chia seeds, red lentils, brown rice and more (the new fixtures of my ongoing experiment with eating only plants). The pile of books and magazines that relentlessly collect on the table beside my reading chair have been sorted and disposed of appropriately.
With each small project finished, I felt more energetic to take on something else. Funny how that works.
Here’s the thing, energy builds more energy. Remember the law of inertia: A body in motions tends to remain in motion,and of course the opposite – A body at rest tends to remain at rest.
Let’s be clear, I’m not talking about doing just for the sake of doing. Nor am I talking about using all your energy on B and C priorities. What I’m inviting you to consider is that getting your body and brain in motion might be symbolic (like getting a new notebook and pencils), or more active like diving headfirst into that project that has been staring at you for weeks. Forget the state of your desk, your refrigerator or your closet!
This week, use a small achievement to get you going or just start. Let me know how it goes…
Until next Tuesday,
Elizabeth