This year I’m participating in Ali Edwards’ One Little Word workshop. My word is “clear.” All of my OLW posts are here.
This month’s prompt was all about looking for our word in daily life and devoting some time to thinking about what it really means. I followed Ali’s lead by sticking a post-it note on my desk at work and I also wrote “what does it mean to be clear?” in every weekly spread of my planner for the month.
As it turns out, our visit to Charlotte gave me exactly the time and space I needed to think about this prompt and the clear feeling I want to pursue right now in my life. I know it’s unrealistic to expect that I could always feel the way I do on vacation — real life intervenes, and all of its chores and tasks and conflicts and unexpected u-turns. But there are several small things I can do:
One. Instead of getting frustrated, I can accept that my role in our life right now is to be the default parent. The one who carries the mental burden. The one who does all the little things to keep the wheels turning smoothly. I can throw out the scorecard, and we will all benefit.
Two. I can focus on being kinder and gentler to myself and to others. All too often, I find myself grumpy and impatient for what ultimately are silly reasons.
Three. I can think strategically about my long-term goals from time to time, instead of staying neck-deep in the here and now. This realization was inspired by a training class I took at work, of all things, but was given fuel by a conversation Jose and I had over coffee late one night in Charlotte.
Four. I can take the time to simply sit with Jose and talk. There is zero downside to this, yet it’s embarrassing to realize how often we forego simply having a conversation in favor of pursuing our own activities.
April was a good month. I’m feeling clearer already.