Time to Brew a New Pot of Coffee (Becky)

If you recall from my last post, I was feeling pretty negative and cynical and gave up on nanowrimo. I’m not ready to scrap the writing thing altogether, but that was a little (a lot) unrealistic for where I’m at right now. I seem to be stuck in a bit of a rut, just going through the motions, so one of my new goals—or maybe it’s more of a strategy to identify and then achieve my goals— is to become more observant and aware and mindful and to live with intention.

I stopped at the grocery store after work last night and as the check-out guy was scanning my groceries, he said, barely looking up from what he was doing, with little emotion or expression. “What did the blanket say when he got on the bed?” “Oh sheet!” Or something like that. It seems like a pretty lame joke so I’m not sure if I’m retelling it wrong, or if it is just a really lame joke. But that’s not the point. The point is: How often do you run into deadpan, teenage, check-out boys telling jokes? This is the kind of random stuff that makes life goofy and interesting and helps you to get out of your head. These are the kinds of simple pleasures I need to notice and embrace and enjoy. (Thanks, Tanya for tuning me into the check-out lane).

Then I went to a yoga class. It’s been a really long time since I’ve done that and I forgot how much better it makes me feel, not just physically, but especially mentally. The instructor talked about having an intention for the class. What do we want to get out of class tonight? How do we want to feel after class? And then, of course, to direct our movements and thoughts toward that intention. Seems simple, but for someone who’s been in a fog for awhile, it was a valuable reminder.

Another reason I want to be more observant of my surroundings is because on Thanksgiving day, I slammed the back of my brother’s car door on my head. Not one of my better moments. I walked back to the house holding my head, wondering how the hell I managed to do that, not noticing the gushing blood until I took my hand away to open the garage door. I then had to knock on my aunt’s door to ask for a towel while looking like Carrie minutes before 19 of my family members were sitting down for Thanksgiving dinner. Those head wounds sure can bleed! Blood was dripping down my forehead, into my eyes, off the tip of my nose, and all over the garage floor. There was a slight delay in saying grace and piling our plates with turkey and lefse as we applied pressure and mopped my blood up off the garage floor. I felt pretty stupid for self-inflicting a blood-gushing head wound with such fabulous timing. Pay attention to your surroundings, Beck! Sorry for the gory aside, but I thought it was kind of a funny story.

So in order to live with intention and listen to my body and mind and observe my surroundings, I should have some specific things that I intend to do. I am going to swim the 100 100s every 100 on New Year’s Eve Day. But I don’t know if that counts as a project because it doesn’t scare me and it’s something I would do anyway, COFFEE or no COFFEE. Likewise, I think I’m going to do the Kosama 10-week Complete Body Transformation in January, but that probably doesn’t count either. I’ve always been in touch with my athletic side. Granted, in varying degrees over the years, but getting in shape is always something I return to eventually. It’s my creative side that has long been neglected so my COFFEE project needs to be something that pushes me in that direction.

So these are my new ideas . . .

• I have some really nice photographs, especially from my time in Madagascar. Sure, it helps that the content and landscapes were amazing, but I also think they have a pretty good composition and balance. I’ve long been meaning to do something with them, beyond scrapbooking. So I need to get them scanned in and reprinted and framed. I’ve got tons, could decorate my house, my office. Hey, maybe I could sell them at a craft fair! I’ll be interested in your next steps, Katie!
• I’ve also always thought it would be fun to make jewelry. . . . or at least fix the pile of broken earrings and necklaces I’ve been hanging on to for that day when I start to make jewelry . . .
• Take an art class—drawing, painting, pottery, still looking into my options. A quick search online reveals that most classes don’t start again until the new year and the schedules aren’t posted yet.
• Journaling, morning pages, gratitude journal, do-be-have. I really want to set aside at least a few minutes at least most days to put something on paper.
• Continue to post comments on new and old friends’ blogs. I posted comments on everyone’s blog during this last round, albeit often several days late and not very profound, but I did it. Doesn’t it seem ridiculous that this is even a goal? Seriously, writing comments should be effortless. I’ve never considered myself such a shy introvert that I can’t think of anything to say in response to the amazing stuff you ladies you are doing, but whatever, I’m clearly in a bit of a funk right now.
• Listen to more music, both at home and out and about. Do I know anyone who is going to be playing any coffee shops/open mics soon?!?!

And in conclusion (to borrow a phrase from Amy), there you have it. Round 4. Wish me luck.
P.S. I thought I remembered another post about living with intention so just went back and read Stephany’s post. You said it, Steph! I will read and re-read that for inspiration when I need it! How easy it would be to just forget all this business and keep doing the same old, same old, but it’s NOT WORTH IT!