What a Little Bit Can Do

It has been a challenging week, both at work and at home.  I can't remember another time when I concluded a lesson before it was done, but I did that on Tuesday.  The worst part about that was I couldn't vent to my husband because he wasn't there!  Him working night shifts SUCK!

And so it is that I'm reminded how powerful little things can be.  Such as a pair of headphones and the ocean.  Submersing myself in the Pacific Ocean has always been a source of comfort for me, especially since I've had children.  The warm, salty water provides buoyancy and the illusion of weightlessness.  I indulge in the ritual (that I otherwise hate) of applying sunscreen to the backs of my children and husband.  I revel in the feel of the hot afternoon sun upon my face and shoulders.  The crash of the waves serves to block out all other sounds-- like kids bickering-- but also makes it so that there's no bickering, anyway.

So on my walk to get coffee before work the next day, I fondly think back on my trip to the beach like I would think on a recent encounter with a new lover.  It was amazing and memorable and still surprising.  While I'm reminiscing, I'm also listening to my ipod and Sublime's "5446/Ball and Chain" comes on, and I am further relaxed.  It surprises me, too, because I didn't realize how loud the music was, and it was pleasant because the song itself reminds me of good times.

On the melodramatic side, it kind of makes me want to cry.  Forgetting these simple joys is SO easy.  TOO easy.  Also too easy is filling up my day with stress-- running too many "important" errands, promising too much to too many.  I have to actually remind myself to breathe and count my blessings and enjoy whats been given to me.  Instead of whining about what I don't have or what I have to do, I need to remember why I do them in the first place and fill my daily motions with love and purpose.

Enjoy some Sublime!