The Gift of Time, of Solitude, of Companionship, of Reflection, and of Action.

This morning I was given a great gift, a gift of necessity. As a parent of young children, what lacks most in my life is the time and opportunity to sit and do as I please. I get snippets of that everyday. I squeeze it in during episodes of sesame street, or on the back porch swing while the babe runs free in the yard, or that wonderful stretch of time called a nap. But once in awhile, I get the gift of hours to myself. I can go where I want, to do what I want, and to be with who I want, or to be completely alone.

Today was one of those days. By a twist of fate, my wonderful husband, who is a devoted father to his children, didn't have to be anywhere until 11:30 a.m., and I reaped the benefits. After we walked the dogs together, baby in stroller, out on quest to find the ducks that live in our neighborhood, I loaded up my bag and darted off to my favorite place, to do my favorite things. I went to the local cafe, ordered up a house coffee, and I sat. I sat and I read. I read and I wrote. I wrote and I thought. I said hello to people as they entered, and I barely noticed as they left. I shared my table space with another local fellow, an artist who hits the cafe like I do- with a book and a journal in hand.

These moments that I get are few and far between, but they do wonders for my soul. There is something about being able to read without interruption, to write as I please, to put thoughts into my paper journal, thoughts which will stay mine and only mine unless I choose to share them. It is a such a gift, such a luxury to think, and to reflect upon the world around me.

I come out of the experience whole and refreshed, and ready to move into action. Even though I am crossing nothing off my to-do list other than a magazine I have been meaning to read, or a book I have been wanting to get to, I feel a deep sense of accomplishment, and am re-energized to spring into action on those more important "to do" items.

So, I thank the Universe today, and I thank my husband for a wonderful gift, the gift of saying- "Go! Be!"

Now that I have taken a moment to refresh, I have some other work that needs to be attended to during this nice thing called nap time!

(and by the way, I was inspired to think about gifts due to this weeks theme at Mama Says Om)