“The future can be so distracting, don’t you think? *sigh* All of my mindfulness skills are called forth in this time of transition– HEY! Blog post! :D”

Everybody knows that Daughter is going to college in two weeks. Becuase it’s all I can talk about when people ask me how I’m doing. It’s all I can think about unless otherwise occupied. My head swims with anticipation, anxiety, joy, pride, fear, love, and all kinds of fantasy and dreaming. I’m sure I was the same when Son started college, and it’s also very different this time around.

Life as usual does not slow down just because our family has a momentous impending transition. I still have patients to see, meals to plan, groceries to buy, presentations to prepare, and blog posts to write! All those future-oriented emotions pull my attention and energy ever forward, flinging me in circles of distraction and procrastination.

I’m happy to report, however, that I manage it better this time. I breathe. I make lists and prioritize them in order of importance and optimal timing. I breathe. If I can’t focus enough for this task right now, I find something else to do and come back. I’m more willing to detach a while, move the body, hydrate, have some fun, and return refreshed. I open and attune to inspiration and synthesis from anyone and anywhere, at anytime. I flow much more than force these days, and everything is better. Energy expenditure is efficient and effective, and I’m happier.

It all gets done. It’s all okay. One Breath at a Time.

Mindfulness.
Attention.
Intention.
Flexibility.
Awareness.
Regulation.
Honesty.
Connection.
Courage.

Do transitions increase in frequency and intensity with age? It sure feels like it to me these days. But of course my perspective is skewed at the moment. My 30s and 40s felt stable, routine–even mundane? Really?

I turn 52 in a couple weeks. 50 felt like a big deal, a turning point; this birthday feels even more so. How fascinating. I wonder what next year will feel like? There I go, casting myself into the future again! Honestly, who knows what anything will be like by then, and whether I’ll even make it that far! Anything can happen, life is short and unpredictable.

So I choose to revel in the now, do my best now, and act boldly on impulses to connect in kindness, joy, laughter, empathy, music, fitness, nerdiness, aspiration, and any other human experience that moves me with energy that nourishes, now.

Another work week commences. 15 days to launch. ODOMOBaaT. We’ GOT this.