An Autumn to Breathe

As expected this crazy year, my first couple months of school were filled with worry, last minute trainings,  and throwing out of well-intended, but too-ambitious-in-this-climate plans. I feel as if I've run back to back marathons and I have still gained weight. This feeling of being exhausted and unable to catch up is not unique to myself, it seems to be a collective mood throughout the world right now. 
I remain hopeful that things will change and slowly start to revive. In the meantime, I pledge to appreciate the simple and positive things in my life. Since the pandemic; I have reconnected with my old college roommates on Zoom, I live in a wonderful walkable neighborhood near the ocean, I have a job that is stressful, yet worth it for all of the happy moments and connections with my students, and finally I have really embraced and made the most of my alone time. (Improving my cooking, starting to write again, and getting sufficient snuggle time with my two kitties) As much as I enjoy my "me-time", I would like to work on my relationships- because we all need to connect now more than ever. Whatever this winter brings, I would like to make a point to reconnect with people, however I can manage. Call, write, and gift with sentimental intention. Big things are going to happen in the future, but for now, I just need to slow down and breathe.