I have intended to write more often. I have planned to go to the beach more often (because when you are an island kid 3 or 4 times a week will not suffice). I have intended to shower more often, and walk more often, keep in touch more often, maybe drink wine more often, and on and on and on. I can pile the guilt onto myself like nobody's business. I must have hit the ground running as an infant because I have every intention of conquering the world EVERYDAY! I have set the bar too high for myself, I am aware of it, but I repeat the pattern time and again. Somewhere along the way I grabbed onto this idea that I have something to prove to everybody. This idea that I need to be more, do more, prove more. I am my own worst enemy. In my quest to do it all, and be it all, I have forgotten to breathe.
I am a fisherman's wife, homeschooling mother of 5, working on a blog, managing two Facebook pages, building an Essential Oil business, Reiki practitioner, studying AromaDance, starting an Etsy shop, blah blah blah. Regardless of how passionate I am about all of these endeavors, it will all mean jack shit if I do not slow down and breathe.
This week, when I answered the front door at 11:00 am, to greet complete strangers, in my pajamas, with my hair a mess, I simply said, "I have five children." I have decided that this is how I will respond to any questions from now on. That will be my excuse for everything......"I have five children!"
I received a phone call earlier in the week, regarding the health of one of my father's (I am a lucky girl, I have 3 dads, long story). He lives several states away, and I do not see him nearly enough. I was instantly reminded that the "busy-ness" that we let ourselves get wrapped up in is far less important than our health and our relationships. I, you, we all need to remember to breathe. We need to remember to connect with one another. Our next minute is not a guarantee.
I understand that we all have goals, passions, commitments, responsibilities, and chores that inevitably need tending to. However, take time to breathe. For me, when I stop to breathe and I smell that salty air or a beach rose, those are the moments I most connect with myself. Those are the moments I am reminded to be present and thankful to be here. So, if you happen to see a women in her pajamas, with wild hair, and maybe even a chicken under her arm, with her nose shoved in a rose bush near the sea.....Think to yourself, "Maybe she has five children."
Blessings to you.
Thanks for reading,
Island Momma