Breezy and cooler days indicate fall is on its way, but summer hasn’t quite let go. We still […]
Today would have been Sam’s 10th birthday. My sweet Sam left this world in April and the pain feels like it was just yesterday. Still so raw. I held him in my arms and looked into his eyes – and promised I would be there for him until the end. In the words of A. A. Milne, “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” As I said that difficult goodbye I burst into tears and thanked him. I thanked Sam for the many gifts and the love he shared with me and so many others. A part of me died that day with him, but a part of Sam lives on in my heart.
I promised Sam a lifetime of adventures but what he gave to me and everyone he knew was so much more. He taught us about love, gratitude, kindness, curiosity, strength, and how to just be in the moment. I’d like to think he had a great life – and a full one. My life was definitely better because of him.
It seems like everyone is writing about burnout these days. It’s everywhere. Years ago I had no real idea what burnout was. Or at least I thought it was something that happened to other people. I didn’t think it would happen to me. Then I read an article about burnout. How could I be burned out? What was burnout? I loved the work I was doing. I exercised regularly. I ate healthy. I’m in touch with my faith and spirituality. I have a supportive and close circle of family and friends. Burnout? Me? But then I read the article, which included a set of questions to help you determine if you were in fact, “burned out.” I answered each question with a resounding YES. That was me. A walking definition of burnout. I was one deadline away from who knows what.
There are so many traditions surrounding Christmas and Saint Nicholas. Shoppers rushing around looking for the perfect gifts for loved ones and friends, singing carols, baking cookies, decorating our homes, spending time with friends and family.
Today’s the day. The one day each year I feel extra special. As if it belonged to me and me alone! My birthday. Lately, I’ve been claiming October as the Month of Lori, but I understand I must share. That’s okay. I’m a sharing type of person. Regardless, I love my birthday.
If you sent a message in a bottle, who would you send it to? What would you say? Stay tuned for my thoughts on this and a reveal of my own message.
I’ve been out an about lately exploring my new neighborhood. Just walking to see what’s around, no agenda and no plan. Wherever the sidewalk takes me! I was heading back home through the park and I look up I see this beautiful landscape. It just made me pause. A sense of calmness and peacefulness washed over me. Nature seems to have a way of bringing about serenity. And fortunately, I had my phone with me so I could capture this photograph to memorialize the moment. This is what I’m talking about when I say to live as a tourist in your own life.
Onward, by all means.
~ Tom Ryan
A Tourist In My Own Life ® 