The Happiness of Breathing

Painting by Monet (detail)
Memorial Art Gallery, Rochester

We all know what it feels like to work hard at something that we really want to accomplish.  This can be the most difficult situation within which to keep our cool.  Even when we tell ourselves the time-honored truth to control what we can control and leave the rest, we grow impatient, frustrated, disappointed, and, sometimes, downright grumpy.

I decided on Friday evening to take the weekend off from worrying about some pending proposals for work projects.  For me, this was no small feat.  Two out of three mornings I took long walks to quiet my mind.  The other day, I did an extended yoga session in my backyard, throwing self-consciousness to the wind as to what the neighbors might think of my Warrior I!

I managed to consciously bring myself more into focus with my family for these three days of the Fourth of July weekend, and to share several special moments around sailing that will be lasting memories.

Ideal 18s at sunset
Sodus Bay, NY

I lucked out, too, because when I got home on Monday evening to put in a wee bit of work to be ready for Tuesday morning, there was one of my project proposals - from May 28th, no less - awaiting me with an approval.

Who know why this and not that?  Who knows why one this day and not that one?  What I do know is that I am happy that I breathed.