This is my new writing space, a table in my backyard. The journal was a graduation gift, a place to start my writing again. It is interesting to come back to the blog space. I miss looking at my past posts. I am still pretty mad about losing all those words and images. I have found some of the things I have written in different spaces and in files on my laptop, but it is a jumbled mess. I think about whether it is worth recreating it, and I realize this is a lesson in starting over.
I am still in my decluttering mode in my life. Every day I am clearing out one new space or pile in the house. I have recycled quite a few things, and although no one else would notice, I am beginning to feel the change. No one, for example, would know that matching hangers on my side of the closet would make a marked difference in my life, but every time I open the door, I smile. There is more space, partially because all the hangers match, but mostly because there are fewer things in the closet. I wear everything in there, if I didn’t, out it went. I replaced a few items today in some online shopping, but not much. I am learning less is more. I’d rather have things that mix, match and look good rather than a bunch of new things in the closet. It comes with age I guess, this realization that clean lines and simple accents are better for closets and life in general.
I am reading a lot this summer. I have about 6 books going at the moment, and for the first time most of them are personal choice, not for work. That is a wonderful feeling in the summer, reading for the joy of reading. I realized how can I foster that in my students if I don’t do it myself? The collage below includes a picture of my vision board. I created that board a few months ago, I think they are a powerful tool to set intentions. The last one I created was all about work and my doctoral journey. This once I created a few months after my mom got sick. When you look closely, you can see there is a change in perspective. I didn’t even realize it as I created it, but there it is. Time, travel, people first. A shift from my previous goals.
I still have a few weeks of summer left, going to make the most of it. There isn’t time for travel this summer, but there are many types of journeys. I think the message for me at the moment is to enjoy right where I am, and embrace all that my home and city have to offer. Home should be a sanctuary, and this view from the backyard is pretty great.