This morning when I woke up, I thought about all the things I needed to get done today both at home and out-and-about while also mulling over an invention that came to mind last night, as well as the release of my new book.
With my monkey mind in full active mode, I tried to settle down and set an intention for the day. Setting an intention is something I usually do before I get out of bed. I grabbed my phone to jot down my to-do list and to check the temperature to see how cold it was outside. I was greeted with negative 13 degrees.
That’s cold! Even for Minnesota, that’s cold! I live in the cities, not in the hinterlands. My monkey mind immediately stopped, and my intention and my intention for the day became clear. Just Be, Just Stop, Just Sit, Just Rest and Breathe!
I also gained some perspective: My family and friends are all safe and sound living in homes with working furnaces. Our critters are indoor animals (although, I very much felt for my dog this morning when I let her out). It’s a sunny day, and there is no wind. It will do me a world of good to rest after the busy weekend with my daughter’s wedding. New Year’s Eve has me taking a thoughtful look at the past year, and with a positive outlook, I welcome the new possibilities in 2018.
Minus 13 degrees can provide excellent perspective.
Disclaimer: Minnesotans tend to have a lot of chutzpah when it comes to weather. We are made of tough stuff living in the north. I wouldn’t be surprised if in a few hours when I brave the temperature and run an errand or two, I hear myself say, “Meh, it’s not too bad, at least there’s no wind, and look the sun is shining.”
Happy New Year! May 2018 bring you health, peace, and comfortable temperatures.