tired midwest parents

Today is me sitting in a dealership watching my car get its oil changed while my phone vibrates every few minutes to warn me that heavy rain is detected in my area.

I am aware of this because I can look outside and see it. I hear its relentless pattern on the roof of the building. I make the mistake of letting this trigger a reflex that has me opening up the multicolored map of the weather app. Warnings and watches. I’m wasting this rare brief moment of silence as I wait for one of life’s more expensive necessary routines to pass.

There is a serenity in the mundane routines that maintain our lives. The necessary tasks become moments for us to just spend time with ourselves. We don’t have to be burdened with scrolling or a to do list. We can read or plan or just exist with a warm cup of coffee. We can watch the storm pass and reminisce of days of being young and in our parents garage watching the storm pass and eagerly awaiting the chance to play outside again.

Why is my mind trying to force me to accomplish something? Why is my brain pushing me to search through the depths of this digital rectangle for some clue as to what should come next? When did I become so dependent on being occupied and distracted?

I take note of the rain soaked shirts of the staff coming and going as they repair and retune the garage full of automobiles. I have that to look forward to today. I don’t mind the rain, as I feel it as a liberating and refreshing reminder that I’m alive within an incredible existence where in water falls from the sky.

Today is me recommending that you take a moment this week.

For yourself.

For something you love.

A picture. A breath. A cup of something warm and comforting.

Remind yourself. Remember what it is that makes you.

Exist in one of your favorite spaces.

Don’t listen to the drums of productivity.

Silence the critic between your eyes.

Release the pressure to make a decision or set a plan.

Just a moment.

Then, share it…

-TMP