Monday, July 26, 2010

(Re)discovery

This summer has been one of discovery for me so far. Or rather, I should say re-discovery. Somewhere in between writing a thesis, working on a practicum and starting an internship, plus teaching my most difficult class in 10 years and being a mom to a toddler and a wife, I lost the time, energy, desire, motivation.....to do the things that I enjoy doing.....

This summer I'm slowly finding them again. It started with reading. Reading for pleasure. Not journal articles that I had to analyze and synthesize, not professional books that I had to learn from and apply, not curriculum from other grade levels that I had to understand and create lessons for. Nope, just honest to goodness literature. Some good, some not so good....some old friends I've read time and again, some new books in a series...I forgot the sheer joy in losing yourself in a book.

I've also been working out again. I'll admit, it hasn't had much impact on the baby belly I can't quite seem to lose, but, man, it feels good to do it. Working out is one of those things that you do just for you. To be healthy, to feel good, to burn off that ice cream cone you ate with your daughter....it is a uniquely individual endeavor and kind of like my little gift to me.

This past Christmas I got a bike. I haven't ridden a bike in well over ten years.....it's not a skill you forget though, as the saying goes. Lately I've been taking some bike rides around my neighborhood. The feel of the wind on my face and the peace that comes from riding is turning into one of my all time favorite activities. My next challenge is to ride to the bike trail and go for a much longer bike ride.

Taking collectively these endeavors might not seem like much, but, for me, it feels as if I'm finding myself again. It took awhile after the school year ended for the tension to ebb away but, finally, it has. I am content, peaceful......happy.

6 comments:

Elizabeth said...

I love this post Lisa! I hope you got some of my book recs. I'm enjoying the image of you on your little red bike.
Keep having fun. Miss you xoxo
Beth

Unknown said...

I love this post too. I'm so happy you're getting some much deserved ME time. You'll have to tell us what books you loved and which ones you didn't. :)

Dianna said...

That is the reason for summer...happiness! Enjoy every minute of it you deserve it! I hope we can get together soon!!!!!

Tina said...

Hah! Literature? When I was/am burned out and want to read for pleasure, literature is too high class for me. Also, it can be depressing or thought provoking, and something I try and avoid that! Try something trashy. I am making my way through the Sookie Stackhouse series now and enjoying it immensely.

Mom S said...

Lisa,
The hardest thing to do is to relax. Especially when you're a person who's "lists" keep rolling through her brain... like you. I'm so happy to read that you're taking a few minutes for yourself this summer :o). Yahoo!

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