What time is it??
Apr 28, 2020
For weeks now, time has both completely stopped and never moved faster.
I've never felt more distracted and more focused.
I've been terrified and confident - anxious and totally relaxed - alone and more connected than ever before.
I've done more:
- Cooking
- Cleaning
- Walking the dog
- Running the dishwasher (one BILLION times!)
- Exercising
- Zooming
- Drinking
- Working
- Worrying
I've done less:
- Shopping for cool shoes
- Flying
- Wearing makeup
- Wearing uncomfortable cool shoes
- Wearing real pants
- Worrying about what I'm wearing
- Eating out
- Hugging
- Worrying
With so much that feels unknown and out of my control, I'm finally, maybe, hopefully focused on what I can control.
This quote from author and entrepreneur, Claudia Chan, is truly resonating:
The big question: Who do you want to become?
Oddly, with the exception of less hugging (and let's be honest - wearing cool shoes), I'm much closer than ever to who I want to become.
Without so many distractions, so much future-focus, so much outside noise - I'm closer to who I actually am.
With this new-found (hopefully not short-lived) calm, I'm finally finding some inspiration and wanted to share it with you.
Listen to the podcast, This Is Love Episode 19 The Wolves
Rick McIntyre has been a Yellowstone park ranger for 50 years. He's spent 15 of those years rising before dawn each day to observe the Yellowstone wolves. This is the story of Wolf 8 - the runt of the pack who was bullied by his brothers, stood up to a bear and became a loving step-father who raises a strong son - Wolf 21.
As Rick tells the story of Wolf 8, you can actually hear the 15 years of respect, admiration and love he's built up for these wolves. It's a beautiful reminder to be fully present - to watch, to listen and, most importantly, to learn - every single day.
Read Untamed by Glennon Doyle. This was my first venture into an audible book and, while I still desperately love real books (oh how I miss the Lawrence Public Library), it was undeniably inspiring to have Glennon's voice in my head. In her own raw, beautiful way, she describes the world and a woman's, a mother's, a wife's, a daughter's role in it. She explores what women are taught to be and what happens when we break those rules. If you're itching to break out and become more of who you really are, read this now.
Check out this NYTimes article: The Weirdly Enduring Appeal of Weird Al Yankovic. I'm a Weird Al fan. Three years ago, I bought my husband tickets to a live show for our anniversary and it was AWESOME! Fun, funny, smart and completely ridiculous. Even if you don't love/know/care about Weird Al, this article is hopeful and funny in a stressful time. Who doesn't love the rise of an underdog - a nerdy, accordion-playing kid who grew up to inspire other nerdy kids (and adults!) with hilarious parodies (Another One Rides The Bus, White & Nerdy, My Bologna!) and wacky accordion medleys.
My evidence of Weird Al fandom (the t-shirt AND the hair!):
Listen to the Generous Change podcast, Episode 25. If you're stressed, anxious, annoyed and worried YOU ARE NOT ALONE! Nancy and I are all those things and still trying to choose the very best contagions - optimism, gratitude, presence.
Here's a quote from the Dalai Lama that Nancy has next to her desk. Hope it brings you some peace.
There are only two days in the year that nothing can be done. One is called Yesterday and the other is called Tomorrow. Today is the right day to love, believe, do and mostly live.
So, now that I've over-shared with you, here's a few more big questions for you:
When do you feel most like you?
How can you use this time to get closer to that version of you?
Wishing you inspiration, calm and lots of laughter this week,
Virtual hugs - Jenna
