Massive project—trail construction northeast
When your day feels just like a jumble,
It seems as if things start to crumble.
Notice, then name,
A happier game—
How do you rename "rough-and-tumble?”
How do you face off with Life’s Jumble?
Do you ever have
Stretches of Time
When many directions, tasks,
Feel like
Jumble? Hodgepodge?
(I'll not go to chaos.)
At those times,
I'm reminded of a big reason
I like long bike trips.
Day upon day of
Repeatable routine,
Predictable order to
Get me to that day's destination.
And to the next day's destination.
Of course, those routine days
Can be far from the predictable order.
Flat tires. Road detours. Harsh weather.
Puddles and mud on
Poorly maintained trail ...
So slippery that staying upright is chancy.
Discovery that an I.D. bank card
Was left in motel room two days before.
Even within the clarity of a
Bike trip, there are "jumbled" days.
They are part of living that experience.
Life Jumble clockwise from left: Our large plant being professionally repotted, furniture moved for carpet cleaning, touring trail construction site.
You've often heard me say that
How I name something makes a big difference
In my outlook / perception of how an
Activity is showing up / turning out for me.
What if I name things in a way
That highlights outcome?
What if I can view
Messy scheduling, unexpected results,
Too many pieces, variety of missteps,
As rich part of living that day's experience?
I'm not taking on "Pollyanna-ish" or
"Passive doormat identity,” or
"Ignoring the negative.”
I'm noticing the crummy aspects.
Then making the effort to
Name it differently.
That's helpful for me.
Grounding Moments clockwise from upper left: Bob and son Rob at Red Mound Store, Persistent red leaves at tippy-top of tree, enjoying view of Lake Pepin from Dairy Queen in Lake City, MN., Lin with son Rob.
It won't ever replace
Multiple day bike rides,
With their multiple-day "jumble.”
We're living our experiences.
May you find some positive naming.
Hugs,
Lin
