Good intentions are not enough

I had all summer to be with my boy and spend my time writing and organizing my life. Lou and I had a great time. We played and sang. We swam and read. We walked and baked. My house is much more in order than it was in May. (Most of the) boxes are unpacked in the proper rooms. The painter did a nice job of brightening up our walls. I worked hard so my classes would start out on the right foot. The lessons I created have enhanced the quality of my courses. My students are engaged and wonderful. My writing...stopped in June. I want to write. I try to take time for writing but it always comes in as the last thing on my to do list. I think of it as something that needs to be done instead of something I really want to be doing. I need a change in perspective.


I too often get caught up in all I HAVE to do and forget to by mindful of the moment. Every day I notice little reminders about slowing down and enjoying what I GET to do instead of NEED to do.


I have a house I get to clean and food I get to feed my family.
I have a baby (almost one year old) I get to rock at night when he can't sleep.
I have a partner who I get to empty the DVR with instead of going to bed early.
I have a job where I get to read papers and hear speeches from students who are excited to start their journey toward independent adulthood.


May I change all of my needs to gets and wants. May I remember what is really important. May I notice the beauty of the leaves as they fall and I think about getting to rake them up!