SETTLING IN

Today is our 46th wedding anniversary.

Living with someone is never easy but living with someone (even after over 40 years of practice) who has retired is like starting all over again with a stranger.

The conundrum has been how do I keep the freedom of my own timeline with a new 'stay-at-home' husband with no schedule,

get used to the noise after the quiet I was used to when the house was empty all day, and still enjoy more together time, all without going crazy.

We are adjusting but like any new experience there is a learning curve with good days and bad days.  On the good days I offer up a prayer of gratitude for the man I married 46 years ago. 

On the bad days when my 'to do' list (or my 'want-to-do' list) gets put on hold because there is a conflict of interest, I take a deep breath and remember something I learned once on a solitary vacation.   

My camp spot was at the top of a long hill with a path going down to the beach.  Walking back up to the camper after my first trip down to the water I found the trail, coming back up, steeper than I realized as I was going down.  Half way up the trail my hips reminded me of the pain I would feel later from my walk and two things came to my mind. 

The first i learned in tai chi.  In tai chi you never lock your joints, you keep them loose,  and you never take all your weight off of one leg before you are balanced on the other...balance and flexibility are the key. 

The second I learned in yoga. In yoga the more you resist a pose the harder and more painful it is.  You learn to find your edge then let go and relax...strength comes with acceptance.    

I kept both lessons in mind as I finished climbing the hill. By the time I reached the top I knew I would be able to enjoy the rest of my vacation as I felt an easing and a loosening in my hips.   

I need balance, flexibility, and strength in my life as well.  Acceptance gives me all three.

AT THE END OF THE DAY...When I quit resisting what is, I can change what will be.