I woke early. Not because I wanted to, but because sleep had been somewhat elusive. Rather than toss and turn, I decided to embrace the moment. Well, embrace might be a bit of an exaggeration since I’m not really a morning person. Perhaps it would be more accurate to say that I decided to accept the fact that I was no longer able to sleep, and I wandered out into the main living area of the cabin. I wasn’t familiar with its creaks, moans, and rumblings since we were only renting it for the weekend, so I decided to explore. As I walked around the rooms raising the blinds and straightening up, I was drawn to the views outside. From every vantage point, nature was calling for attention. The sun was quietly rising over the hill while the waves were excitedly crashing against the shore. The trees were reluctantly swaying in the wind while the squirrels were frantically scurrying about preparing for the inevitable shift to winter. All of nature was coming alive to celebrate the new day. The scenes were calming and invigorating all at once. And, everywhere I looked, there was a glorious blanket of multicolored leaves. I smiled, took a sip of my tea, and felt an immense sense of gratitude for this amazing day.
I love the fall. It’s peaceful. It’s cozy. It’s the time of year that reminds me that I need to rest, pause, and breathe. Honestly, these are things that I’ve become more mindful of as I’ve aged, but I’m still learning. A bit of a perfectionist at heart, and certainly a Type A personality, knowing how to quiet my mind and move a bit more slowly has been a challenge. While sometimes frustrated by the easy-going Type B personalities in this world, I will admit that I secretly marvel at their inherent ability to take things as they come. “It will all work out in the end.” “This too shall pass.” Statements such as these do not resonate in any natural way with my Type A personality, and repeated exposure to these statements doesn’t help. I know. For as long as I can remember, my mother has been attempting to get me to embrace the “This too shall pass” mentality. She’s uttered these words so many times that they have almost taken on an entirely new meaning for the two of us; a meaning that falls somewhere on a continuum between hopeful and frustrated with a splash of humor infused in the mix.
As I sat in the cabin appreciating the stunning surroundings and being entertained by nature’s random choreography, it was easier for me to see the value in slowing down and being fully present. Truth be told, I don’t always succeed in doing so. I try, but I’m certainly a work in progress. There is, however, power in recognizing that about myself. Claiming imperfection means that I’m willing to risk vulnerability. It isn’t easy, but it empowers me as I work toward becoming my best self. It’s a struggle, but it’s also an adventure. Michelangelo once said, “I saw the angel in the marble and carved until I set him free.” I’m certainly no Michelangelo, but in many ways, I, too, am an eager sculptor chiseling away at the extraneous marble in my own life. I giggled as the spices in my tea mingled and swirled into a wisp of steam that delicately tickled my nose. I paused to take a deep breath, and in that moment, I was again reminded of the importance of recognizing and appreciating the simple things in life.
As we approach this Thanksgiving holiday, I encourage you to make the effort to be genuinely present. Be authentic and intentional. Hear the true meaning behind words expressed, make room for differing points of view, and refrain from judgement. Be mindful of the precious time you have, and remember that it’s often the simple things that mean the most. Above all, breathe and be thankful for all you’ve been given in this life.