Dance, Dance, Schmansch!
The ol’ dance soles are tired. And honestly? So is the soul wearing them.
This last season has been a busy one, with surprises at every turn. Hardly what I’d call planned, although I do try to make it look that way from the outside looking in.
Not to worry. I won’t bore you with the details.
Too much.
I remember Barbara Gordon’s I’m Dancing as Fast as I Can from my college psychology days. That title stayed with me. Back then, I couldn’t have imagined how often I’d find myself borrowing it.
Perhaps you’ve done a little of that dancing, too.
Wife. Mother. Household CEO, CFO, and head of HR. Caregiver. Troubleshooter. Event planner. Rental property manager. Referee of family dynamics. Add the animals, and surely I’ve earned an honorary degree in veterinary medicine by now.
And, and, and.
Then there are all those wonderful causes waiting patiently for the day my time becomes my own again. Worthy causes. Good people. Things I care about. It’s surprisingly easy to fill every available space with something worthwhile and leave very little room to breathe.
And here you thought I was relaxing, eating bonbons, and frequenting my favorite coffee shop, Holy Grounds on Amelia Island.
Well, the coffee part is true. A girl has to keep the orchestra going somehow.
But I’ve decided to cut back considerably on my activities. A few things need to come off the calendar—and stay off long enough for me to stop wondering what I should put in their place.
Welcome to the next phase of “Bru.” Short for Brubaker, of course, although your favorite fermented beverage might also appreciate a little time to settle.
This season will include more retreating, resting, and finding my footing again. I want time to hear my own thoughts without immediately turning them into another assignment.
Caregiving continues. It’s a role I’m making room for, along with the ordinary responsibilities of home and family. That means stepping back from some of the extras, even the ones I enjoy. I’m learning that caring about something doesn’t always mean I have the capacity to take it on.
This quieter season won’t last forever, but the time is precious. And necessary.
For now, I’m slipping off those dance shoes and giving them—and myself—a much-needed break.
You may still find me at Holy Grounds.
This time, I might even sit awhile.
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