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I used to run. Some days my body and mind clicked together like a perfect puzzle and I ran without concentration or determination; a natural fluidity. On others, when my legs heaved through cement and my lungs burned for sweet relief I would focus on fence posts as I passed them. With the rhythm of each pounding step I would pant, "to the next post, to the next post" until my body crossed the illusionary finish line. And then to the next one, and the next one until my weary body made it home. Ever motivated by small challenges I devoured the sense of achievement and the breaking down of one sometimes overwhelming task made it all the more manageable.
After the whirl of Christmas and all its presenty, chocolaty ways and the packing up of a completed year, I feel I have temporarily lost my day to day "fence posts". Kindy days, swimming lessons, fruit and vegetable box deliveries and the like all played their part in laying out a week and keeping it hemmed in and somewhat orderly. But with these activities having ceased for a time I have found myself wandering aimlessly and at times without grace from daily task to task. My week has burst at the seams and as I survey it's jumbled contents I often question what day it is.
For now I am surrendering to the languid ways of this time of year but as the fervour of seasonal celebrations and new year preparations subsides I look forward to uncovering this year's fence posts. Those tangible events in a week that provide rhythm and momentum to my steps. Points in time to work towards or lull about after. I am anticipating more time in the kitchen and the garden and hope to carve out little moments to nourish my creative self. And with my baby girl starting school this year I will be endeavouring to make time for creating together. Tell me, what are your "fence posts" and do you flounder a little without them?
Steph x
I love this description of fence posts, I certainly understand this idea of rhythm & keeping things orderly. I feel like my "fence posts" have been missing over the last few years(!) & am longing for 2014 to return to some sort of rhythm. I'm planning for it- nothing like a new year for new beginnings.
ReplyDeleteThis is a perfect description of how the summer holidays feel for me! I like my fence posts, the rhythm of school drop offs and pick ups and an early tea and bedtime…and then all the little things that naturally fall in-between those hours. Lovely post x
ReplyDeleteThe beach is one of mine, and when we miss days, or weeks with only glimpses of it, instead of the longer time I long for, I find myself more impatient, snappier... I find Summer hard up here for that reason, it's just too hot to be outside in the middle of the day, and I don't enjoy being inside a very hot house... Hopefully the new year will bring a gradual return of coolness once March arrives : )
ReplyDeleteI think the excessive nature of the holiday season sets us all off course but the holiday season is past, time to set those "fence posts" in our sights again, lol, I know exactly what you mean,
ReplyDeleteI love that photo, and January is definitely a month where the usual order goes way out the window!
ReplyDeleteYep, I'm with you and I have to think really hard what day of the week it is at the moment. One thing that comes with holidays I love is not having to make school lunches at breakfast time...we actually make lunch when it's lunch time and I love not having to get out of the house in the morning unless we organize something. I can totally understand where you are coming from for routines and structures keep the place running from week to week. Regards Kathy A, Brisbane, Australia
ReplyDeleteYour words are so beautiful, Steph. They make me want to find my own fenceposts. You are one inspiring woman. I hope you never stop writing!
ReplyDeleteOh, nap time! A daily fence post that I cherish each afternoon. I usually work so holidays have thrown me for a spin and I've been needing the downtime to process and vision. I think carving out more time this year is a priority - making headway and opening the small business that I've been dreaming of. Some structure is necessary, yet simple pleasures like blogging keep me grounded and give me time to reflect.
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