Glad Tidings

I recently realized that my boredom and stagnation has arrived due in part to lack of work on my emotional self. When we stop pushing ourselves to improve, reflect and explore, we get further away from what makes us unique and interesting to others and content and centered with ourselves.

One of my goals is to be present rather than just be. So yesterday I pulled myself away from the television, dressed in warm clothing and walked the dogs around town at night. It was exactly what we all needed--to savor a beautiful moonlit night by the nearly frozen river. It was a simple act that I used to do daily and have recently let fall by the wayside because I've felt "too busy." I should never be too busy to walk the dogs and enjoy 30 minutes of taking in my surroundings. It's not my hectic schedule, but rather it's my laziness the prevents those walks. Last night I gave myself the gift of motivation and it paid me back in dividends.

My man and I exchanged gifts yesterday, a bit early. I now have a few more tools in my arsenal that are sure to push me beyond my comfort zone: New wetsuit gear for warmth in very cold water (i.e., surfing is not relegated only to warm summer months now), a brand new (hand-made in the U.S.) board that will make surfing easier and more enjoyable for me as I continue to learn. Surfing allows me to be fully present because it's a challenging workout and, as a beginner, I have so much to learn and analyze and think about out there. I don't have time to think about surfing AND worry about what to make for dinner this week or ruminate on projects for work. I experience the wave motion, my body's movements, the force of the water, what works and doesn't work for me. I can laugh at myself when I get tossed by a wave or crack a huge grin when I catch a wave but end up surfing on my belly because I didn't stand up quickly enough.

We also have a gift certificate to take an introductory lesson for the indoor climbing gym nearby, a big step for me with my fear of heights and lack of arm strength. I have a feeling it will do the same thing for me as surfing does: it will get me to focus on what I'm doing in the present, to enjoy and to let go. Yoga does the same thing, and so does contra dancing. All these activities push my boundaries and make me slightly (or more than slightly) uncomfortable at times. They all make me reflect on how I can be better physically and mentally. I leave the experiences ready to embrace life a little larger, I am a better person to those I love, I can rest more easily.

Rather than collect more stuff this season, I remain committed to decluttering my life and simplifying. So, for every item in, it's time to take a few others over to Goodwill. I'll be going through my belongings this evening to see what I can donate to make up for my new gifts. But the best gift of all is knowing that I'm on the cusp of the plateau, about to move forward once again and expand my horizons.