An Inventory

When Plato said the unexamined life is not worth living, was he imagining the pace of twenty-first century family? Our mantra is: See more, be more, do more. But in what will likely be my last "leave" from work before retirement (oh so depressing) I took a moment to exhale and examine. Albeit brief, I was able to step outside of the structures, schedules, routines and rituals that organize my life. Maybe "forced outside" is a more accurate statement when dealing with a newborn. With my routine disrupted, I was able to become much more conscious about my actions, surroundings, decisions and relationships. And although disruptions can be quite unsettling...exciting things can start to happen (if allowed). New options emerge, growth occurs and priorities gain clarity. Lord knows, this type of enlightenment ain't happening amidst rush hour traffic, shuttling the kids to daycare, making dinner, keeping up with yard work and trips to the grocery store. So I'm grateful for the time I've had to slow down, breathe, focus on our Vivian and take inventory on my life. I've decided to make some minor changes - no I haven't decided to join an ashram - at least not yet. But I'm happy with the direction this "pause" has taken me.