A squash and a squeeze - and a manageable schedule

 Savoring Simple Daily Pleasures

The image above was taken early yesterday morning on my last run at the beach before packing up and heading home, with the new term and school year almost upon us, and my husband and I returning to work. I tried to drink in every moment, savor the light, the scent of the pines, and the feeling of freedom and tranquility and summery loveliness. I picked up a shell - actually 2, one for my car, one for my handbag, to keep with me to remind me to breath, slow down, and savor when the hustle and bustle of life kicks back in.  

Something that struck both of us yesterday when we walked back in our front door was how much we have in our home, how spacious it is and our myriad of possessions. My husband was the one to comment interestingly- but living in a simple, small beach house (known as a bach in New Zealand) with only a small amount of clothing and belongings, really brings attention to what's left at home that we can potentially do without. I'm not suggesting we throw it all away and get rid of all these possessions (not the treasured or useful ones anyway!) but its a worthwhile exercise or lesson to actually acknowledge what we don't need. Of course at home our circumstances are very different- at the beach I alternate between swimwear and beach dresses and not much else- one pair of jandals (Flipflops) and my running gear pretty much. Clearly most of us require more for our regular working week, and home comforts and seasonal necessities but it does make you reflect on the extras (read clutter/excess) we become so accustomed to for the rest of the year.

 I'm sure I mentioned in a past post- my girls loved the children's book, A squash and a squeeze by Julia Donaldson - the premise is that the old lady lives alone but complains her house is too small- there in we are introduced one by one to a host of farm animals who move in, which when she finally gets them all to leave makes her house feel huge and spacious again. sometimes we just need to shift our perspective to see things in a different light and not only be truly grateful for what we have but highlight perhaps what we don't need or require in our lives. 

So once home, having fully unpacked and done 5 loads of laundry yesterday afternoon followed by  racing around to the supermarket etc as the cupboards and fridge were rather bare, I sat down early this morning to look at our up coming schedules, commitments, appointments and term times for the coming academic year. While I don't want this holiday vibe to come to an end, the quiet (and still cool) hour I spent on the deck with coffee, my phone, calendar and a notebook has helped my reset and refocus and feel ready (or as ready as I can be while still padding round barefoot and enjoying my own summery schedule) 

My diary is looking rather fuller, and I have a few lists on the go- along with meal plan for the week- but I have consciously left gaps, and devised ways to squeeze the best from the busiest days- taking a walk during my daughters ballet class for instance, so that when we get home we have the evening together as a family and to eat dinner - which is lovely in these summer months with plenty of daylight but will also be a treat in the winter not to have to be out later in the dark and cold as we were with last years dance schedule.

Its hard to get our heads around seasonal changes- well, maybe not in some corners of the world but where I grew up in England and here in NZ where there are definite seasonal changes. As I hung the laundry (yes, still more) this morning the temperature was SO hot the garments were literally drying in the basket and in my hands as I pegged them out- the pegs were almost too hot to touch- there are extreme weather warnings being issued to keep hydrated and out of the suns intense heat- but by contrast as I was mowing the lawn today I was mentally making a note we need to order fire wood to keep us toasty in the winter. Its a very good thing to stay present, and savor the moment, but it is also a nice feeling to be organized and plan and look forward- without missing and not noticing todays treasures. I actually love all the different seasons and their particular characteristics and clothing requirements, and I'm not wishing summer away- but today, on the eve of my working life kicking back off again, I am quite looking forward to embarking on and embracing our new routines and schedules, and making this year even better than the last. I truly have never felt as fit, healthy and vibrant in my life as I do right now- even after celebrating another birthday last week. I am excited for autumn, and its majestic colors and its first whisps of woodsmoke- but I am savoring the beachy days until then- laundry drying in moments, dinner cooked on the BBQ almost every night, wearing light, cool, airy clothing, and enjoying a paddleboard or a swim in the late afternoon as the day cools off. 

One goal I have this year is to start meditating- probably with an App initially to keep me on track or my mind will inevitably wander! But ironically, even over 7 weeks of blissful summer- I still haven't found the time! But I do sincerely want to accomplish this as I feel its incredibly important to our overall wellbeing.

I am excited for this year to kick off in earnest and see where it takes me- us. I have a finished book (and several on the way) I'm ready to start with the self publishing process (And feel grateful empowered to do so from wonderful mentors such as Fiona Ferris - a fellow kiwi, Jennifer L Scott - writer and youtuber/blogger whom I have followed and read her books over at least a decade,  Jennifer Melville from The Elevated Everday - who's books I have read and re read over several years, and Shannon Ables from The Simply Luxurious Life - these wonderful ladies, mostly without knowing it, have given me a sparkle and drive to see this self publishing dream through to a reality and I cannot wait! 

But for now, I'm about to don my golf shoes and grab my clubs and head out on this VERY hot afternoon to my ladies golf session- more likeminded, supportive and influential women. 

How fortunate I am.