Happiest of birthdays to you! I found your birthday challenge to be quite the adventure and wanted to share with you the way I took you up on it.
What would I use this latest prompt in self generosity?
What I had been contemplating is where I'd always assigned an excuse to something outside of my perceived control.
Why am I not traveling up North when I can? That led me to reading Wandering Words in the wandering woods about a month ago.
What I came up with this time is the generosity of reconnection. I opted to surprise my sister on Wednesday with pizza for her and my niece. They live nearby, but I'd always had an excuse to not visit. I realized that I wasn't acknowledging the need or the benefits of that connection.
But...I had to somehow channel my inner Gail and find a way to experience the journey, not just the result or the destination.
I took the wandering route through South Minneapolis. Opened the sunroof. Let the city in.
I drove past George Floyd square, past boarded up buildings -- tears forming I was grateful for the drying effect of the swirling sunroof air. Past innovative restaurateurs and gyms finding every square inch of sidewalk to serve the community. Yoga mats next to transmission repair shops, with positions now likely called downward facing muffler I suppose.
Boarded up buildings next to murals.
Past Minnehaha Park with a trumpet playing in the distance.
Once I arrived with Pizza, salads and KN95 masks we took in the sunshine and watched my niece play with the neighbor boys. Just observing their joy and chatting about the sun -- or more accurately the lack of snow. The neighbor boy kept trying to eat from my sisters salad using her fork.
All the everyday moments -- the normal weird -- parts of life that I had not been generous with myself to experience.
Total time was roughly 2 hours, but the smiles both inside and outside lasted all evening.
Thank you Bob for sharing your experience with me and our BFN community.
I am particularly curious about exploring reconnection with others as a gift to myself. I really appreciate how you framed your visit as receiving.
I just finished reading a meditation in Book of Soul by Mark Nepo. He pointed to the idea that we are often leaving relationships behind, searching for something new, when really we are being called to deepen what is already with us.
The 53rd birthday might have been the best so far! I paid attention to all of the little things... and that was HUGE. ❤️
Good luck and Happy Birthday today, Gail!! I'm venturing out into the world today, and will take you up on your offer to do something nice for myself. Hmmm.
Happy Birthday sweet Gail! Thank you for giving your readers an opportunity to do something nice for themselves in honor of your birthday. I will have a think about it and share with you. I hope you enjoy your day. Your reflections on your birthday are a wonderful gift. 🤗🌸🌺🌷
Hi Gail!
Happiest of birthdays to you! I found your birthday challenge to be quite the adventure and wanted to share with you the way I took you up on it.
What would I use this latest prompt in self generosity?
What I had been contemplating is where I'd always assigned an excuse to something outside of my perceived control.
Why am I not traveling up North when I can? That led me to reading Wandering Words in the wandering woods about a month ago.
What I came up with this time is the generosity of reconnection. I opted to surprise my sister on Wednesday with pizza for her and my niece. They live nearby, but I'd always had an excuse to not visit. I realized that I wasn't acknowledging the need or the benefits of that connection.
But...I had to somehow channel my inner Gail and find a way to experience the journey, not just the result or the destination.
I took the wandering route through South Minneapolis. Opened the sunroof. Let the city in.
I drove past George Floyd square, past boarded up buildings -- tears forming I was grateful for the drying effect of the swirling sunroof air. Past innovative restaurateurs and gyms finding every square inch of sidewalk to serve the community. Yoga mats next to transmission repair shops, with positions now likely called downward facing muffler I suppose.
Boarded up buildings next to murals.
Past Minnehaha Park with a trumpet playing in the distance.
Once I arrived with Pizza, salads and KN95 masks we took in the sunshine and watched my niece play with the neighbor boys. Just observing their joy and chatting about the sun -- or more accurately the lack of snow. The neighbor boy kept trying to eat from my sisters salad using her fork.
All the everyday moments -- the normal weird -- parts of life that I had not been generous with myself to experience.
Total time was roughly 2 hours, but the smiles both inside and outside lasted all evening.
Happy Birthday and thanks for the push...
Thank you Bob for sharing your experience with me and our BFN community.
I am particularly curious about exploring reconnection with others as a gift to myself. I really appreciate how you framed your visit as receiving.
I just finished reading a meditation in Book of Soul by Mark Nepo. He pointed to the idea that we are often leaving relationships behind, searching for something new, when really we are being called to deepen what is already with us.
The 53rd birthday might have been the best so far! I paid attention to all of the little things... and that was HUGE. ❤️
Good luck and Happy Birthday today, Gail!! I'm venturing out into the world today, and will take you up on your offer to do something nice for myself. Hmmm.
Tomorrow Karen! Now you can treat yourself two days in a row. 😉 tell me what you decided to do?
Oh darn - I'll have to get another Star Bucks iced decaf??? Also, apparently I mis-tweeted, too. ;)
Iced coffee and holding a baby. Simple pleasures are life’s treasures.❤️
Happy Birthday sweet Gail! Thank you for giving your readers an opportunity to do something nice for themselves in honor of your birthday. I will have a think about it and share with you. I hope you enjoy your day. Your reflections on your birthday are a wonderful gift. 🤗🌸🌺🌷
Someday Sana... perhaps we can share a cup of chai. I would consider that to be an invaluable gift. ❣️ Thank you for your wishes!
Tulips! Just the thing for a colorful change of scenery.
And for you, Best Wishes for a Happy Birthday. 🎂🌷
Thank you!🤗
Ugh! I just recognized a math error. Turning 53 means I have been breathing for 54 glorious years.😂 still learning!