A New Season, My New Year...
For me, the summer season is so completely full, with both professional commitments (making for long days) and the almost non-stop quest to "get after it" like so many Bendites. There is SO much going on here in Bend, and the outdoors are simply begging for us to be a part of it--with no arguments here. While it's super fun (and demanding and exhausting), I am typically very ready to hand in my fun chips for a quieter, calmer fall. In fact, I ADORE the fall. The town isn't as crowded, my work with Tumalo Creek slows and I'm able to regroup, reprioritize and almost force myself into a beautiful "boredom". I use this word with all the love I can possibly convey, because in these long spaces of nothing...for me at this point in my life purposefully created...I find peace. With that peace I find creativity, curiosity and a deeper appreciation for the art of simply being present. Then, from a headspace of calm I find it much easier to cut through the bullshit that seems ever-present, if we let it become that way. I can look at my calendar and say "Really Sue?!...does this serve me?" and then start making edits.
It wasn't always like this. In fact, it felt like I spent decades on a hamster wheel, doing all kinds of things, ALL the time. I had a blast, many a time, but ultimately it led to complete burnout. Then, in alignment with another huge life shift over three years ago, I forced myself to take a hard look at my entire life and as importantly my approach to how I was choosing to live it and spend my time. What served me as a 20-30 something, doesn't serve me now (and absolutely shouldn't...those years were crazy and fun and absolutely how they should have been). Now, I've matured (ha!) or at least gained a lot of experience and knowledge based on all the many life adventures I've had. Some resulted in huge personal success and other choices were misfires-to-downright-dumpster fires...all of which contributed to crucial growth.
Most people celebrate New Years on January 1, but I view October 1 as my "new year". This October I'm doubling down on intentional time off of all kinds of things. I've decreased my professional commitments AND am balancing some of the action-packed activities with slower, more thoughtful practices. I'll continue to decrease my device use (I already leave my phone in the car when at stores, meetings, standing in lines--yes, I'm the weirdo NOT on my phone in the doctor's waiting room. Calmly sitting there, probably smiling, meditating.
The amazing thing about this slowing down is that ultimately I'm way more effective in my day-to-day activities. I "re-find" clarity every fall, post summer hecticness, and in doing so, I am more discerning in what I choose to engage with. How many times do we say "yes" to something that either wastes our time professionally, or is a complete energy suck on our personal time.
Additionally, there is incredible value in engaging with nature, especially in the fall when the colors are mind-blowing!! Breathing it in and acknowledging the magnificence of the season. It seems that through this lens, my new priorities take shape, becoming very clear on where I am, where I'm headed and what needs some course-correcting.
Why do a share these thoughts? Because it seems in our world--especially here in central Oregon, we're go-getters who are trying to fit it ALL in! Our family life, professional world, socializing, taking advantage of the overwhelming amounts of outdoor play there is here...the list goes on. What I'm suggesting and maybe even challenging you to do, dear reader, is to make space for doing nothing. Even if just 15-30 minutes a day. Without a phone or device. Fair warning, it's going to drive you nuts at first. Give it a week to ten days and see how you feel. Maybe even let me know how it goes. Regardless, wishing you a great fall, and a happy new year!
--Sue
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