The high the next day was a refreshing mid-70s, perfect hiking weather. As I left the house I spotted a dead tree across the driveway. It was a hot, still night, but the landscape here is so rocky it doesn't take much prodding for a tree to fall. Roots here typically sprawl out among the rocks rather than work against them to go deep.
I had a few options to deal with the tree. I could wait for my husband and friends to arrive tomorrow and have the men take care of it. There are neighbors nearby who would have helped. Or, I could find a saw in the barn and do it myself.
With the tree across the driveway I am trapped here. I had planned to drive eight miles to the general store/pizza place/ice cream stop (our version of a mall--one stop for everything) and celebrate my 59th birthday with my beloved island community.
As I reflect on my life--the good, the bad and the truly mysterious-- the bad times pale in comparison to my immense blessings, which are far more than I deserve. I do not take those things for granted.
One year until that landmark number sixty. As I consider the past, contemplate the future and celebrate the present moment, I understand that I sometimes allow self-imposed barriers to prevent me from trying new things, taking chances, taking risks.
Singing? Love it, but only last winter was I brave enough to join a women's chorus, after decades of wanting that. The spring concert was a dream come true for me.
Writing for others? A passion, but I stop short of trying to get things published.
Optimal health? Sure, in theory I want that. In practice I have some serious changes to make.
Dance lessons? On my "to do" list for years.
And, the list goes on....
So TODAY I begin my quest to tackle barriers--real, imagined, self-imposed.
With an old rusty saw in hand, I conquered the first one. It took an hour. My muscles ache. And I am smiling like a kid with a new bike.
Now...who's going to buy me a beer?
I had a few options to deal with the tree. I could wait for my husband and friends to arrive tomorrow and have the men take care of it. There are neighbors nearby who would have helped. Or, I could find a saw in the barn and do it myself.
With the tree across the driveway I am trapped here. I had planned to drive eight miles to the general store/pizza place/ice cream stop (our version of a mall--one stop for everything) and celebrate my 59th birthday with my beloved island community.
As I reflect on my life--the good, the bad and the truly mysterious-- the bad times pale in comparison to my immense blessings, which are far more than I deserve. I do not take those things for granted.
One year until that landmark number sixty. As I consider the past, contemplate the future and celebrate the present moment, I understand that I sometimes allow self-imposed barriers to prevent me from trying new things, taking chances, taking risks.
Singing? Love it, but only last winter was I brave enough to join a women's chorus, after decades of wanting that. The spring concert was a dream come true for me.
Writing for others? A passion, but I stop short of trying to get things published.
Optimal health? Sure, in theory I want that. In practice I have some serious changes to make.
Dance lessons? On my "to do" list for years.
And, the list goes on....
So TODAY I begin my quest to tackle barriers--real, imagined, self-imposed.
With an old rusty saw in hand, I conquered the first one. It took an hour. My muscles ache. And I am smiling like a kid with a new bike.
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