I’ve been away from the microphone for a couple of weeks – off to Nova Scotia to visit my mother- a road trip with the new puppy to visit family. It was an emotional and challenging trip as I continue to witness my mother’s journey into aging. And it seems as if suddenly everyone I talk to is going through some version of this.

I want to do everything of interest that presents. There’s nothing wrong with that – although I seem to be challenged to remind myself that I cannot do it all at the same time. And the more than I take on, the more my efforts are diluted for those projects that are really important to me. Time and energy dissipate before the goals are met.

I’ve just had an interesting couple of days of low activity and Netflix - mostly.  It’s been a long time since I so thoroughly enjoyed an unexpected break – I’m heading into the coming week with more energy and some innovative ideas for what I will decide to focus upon.

Ever notice that it’s easy to stay present when we are doing something that we enjoy? It’s a little harder to stay present when working tasks that I would rather not be doing.

It’s one of those emotions that bubbles up when our needs are not being met. Maybe “bubbles up” is too gentle a description – spews or erupts might be more apt. Something is out of whack and I usually don’t take a lot of time to consider what’s behind it. However, I had an epiphany last week as my puppy drew blood for, what seemed like, the millionth time.

I have lived that it is possible to make changes in my own life – moving from automatic pilot to creating each day with intention. And it is not necessary to throw out the baby with the bath water.

There is much to be thankful for in my little world.

It’s been a humbling couple of weeks as I start over with a new puppy and realize that I need 8 arms and an extra set of eyes in the back of my head. And maybe a suit of armour.

I wasn’t sure that I would ever have another dog – Reeses was irreplaceable.