2016 is going to be my year!
I got super organised in December. 2015 was reviewed, month by month, the lessons and wisdom extracted, focused vision, clear plans, goals and tasks for the year ahead. There was even a goal for the end of January – to complete a first project draft…
Image from http://www.bookkeepersoncall.net.au
And then life happened…
Image from http://www.teaplusart.wordpress.com
My father has become increasing unwell.
My sister and her two small children have been visiting from London.
We had a 10 day visit from a family from Southern India who have been dear friends to my parents for over forty years.
We’ve been displaced from our home for two weeks, house sitting and caring for house, dog (Pookie) and fish.
We have ended our decade long journey through infertility and other losses. Regrets, life choices, intense emotions, clearing out, etc
It’s been a pretty big time…
Image from http://www.sparkledaystudio.com
So having the energy and time to focus on my new project has been challenging.
I have been reading the book “essentialism” by greg mckeown and it suggests a simple filter for all of life’s decisions – “what is essential?”
Most importantly, “what is essential right now?”
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Looking down from my tower of lofty goals and big plans, I asked, “What is important right now?”
Family took priority. Everything was set aside and the last three weeks (monday to friday) were spent playing games, cooking yummy food and hanging out.
So when i say life happened, i mean super, amazing, stupendous, fun and exhilerating life happened…
Image from http://www.letskeepbuilding.com
My 3 3/4 year old nephew and I created a collage scrap book of all our fun holiday activities – it’s rather thick, stuffed with imaginative games and adventures…
- sitting on the couch, we took off in a hot air balloon to paint the clouds
- we played puppy pile, one person lay flat on the bed, pillows stacked on top, then max and pookie (our dogs) put on top to dig the person out
- the housekeeping game, wake up, make believe shower, dressing, make breakfast and then a different mode of transport to work each day – bike, roller skates, rowing, helicopter, train, etc
- doctors and nurses, with some unusual ailments (a fashion casualty and the day the music died) and some rather unorthodox treatments (including the conga dance!)
- sewing solar system bunting for 4th birthday in march
- swimming lessons for two weeks at 8am every morning
- teaching marco polo at the pool with a 3 year old screaming on my back (makes hearing the call and response impossible but loads of giggles!)
- painting, laughing, eating, park trips, beach, dog park, family feasts, visit to Lone Pine and other fun adventures
- making Australian animal shaped shortbread on Australia day!
- and our favourite make believe game of all… TOAST GAME – one person is a piece of bread (always nephew), and the other (always me) would get up, feel hungry, put bread (nephew) in the pretend toaster, spread him with with butter and favourite spreads, and then eat him… to much laughter!
- there was the vampire game, the post game, the big brother game, the airport game, and loads more fun!
Image from http://www.transom.org
Of course, all this play had a serious side as well, to support my sister and parents with child care. I feel so grateful for this precious time to forge a relationship with my niece and nephew. Time, for me, is a hallmark of an abundant life.
It has been a fantastic time to clear out stuckness, to get energy moving, to reflect, re-evaluate and remember what is truly essential in life.
Naturally, I’ve been pretty tired most nights. It has also been a very intense emotional time of release, grief and sadness, lots of tears, but i’ve tried to be truly present as i’ve travelled through each moment.
Unexpectedly, I haven’t missed my home and all the associated burdens / work that come with a big property. Now is time to radically de-clutter, to go through everything and for each item ask – “is this essential?”
Also time to review the gardening strategy to create a lower maintainance garden. The fine art of gardening is as much about what you take out, as what you put in. This is a big shift in focus.
Image from http://www.startingwitha.com
But for today, with family gone and move back home, we’re having a quiet sunday of nesting and peace. Perhaps a trip to the local coffee shop for brunch.
Wishing you a peaceful Sunday and time on what is essential and truly matters to you!
Big love
Sarah
What a lovely piece Sarah and the wisdom you share so valuable. I too will ask, “What is essential?” as I also go about clearing out and decluttering. Wishing you a beautiful Sunday. 🙂
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Thank you Spirited Girl!! It has been such a simple way to focus on the important stuff and get rid of the mental and emotional clutter! Enjoy! sx
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(((HUGS))) Beautiful sharing, Sarah, and so wise.
PS – I would have loved to have an aunt like you when I was growing up. How magical you are in creating those moments and memories xx
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thanks sweetie! discovering the art of aunty-ing – feel blessed for those moments of gold! big hugs sx
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Loved reading this. Great stuff to ponder. Love the Aunty Games too. Thanks Sarah x
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thank you! yes i suspect aunty-ing is one of the great under-rated pleasures of life! sx
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Wow! Your game playing imagination just blows my mind!
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thanks! it wasn’t just me, my nephew is very imaginative, a quality nurtured by his parents. we bounced ideas off each other. like the day he was leaving, we varied the housekeeping game so that we went to the airport in a cab, went through customs, check in etc. he’s such a fun child! i’d forgotten how liberating it is just to play, so i feel blessed. sx
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Thank you lovely. Might be a good time for me to declutter too. Much love.💓💓💓
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wishing you the very very best in this venture. i threw out a few boxes yesterday and need to keep the momentum flowing. love to hear how you fare. big love, sx
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Love love love this ….tears in eyes 😂😂😂 go you ! . How little ones can teach us what’s really important … And go you for being so open to receiving ⭐️ So special 💕💕💕 yip you sure are getting rid of that shit and making room for all the good things that come when you let go Of other dreams ☁️☁️☁️ And allow some other super cool shit to come into your life 🌀🌀🌀🌀 so proud 💕💕💕 this is huge
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thanks babe! yeah it’s pretty huge stuff happening atm. i get such strength and encouragement from others who have walked a similar path. (says me bumpity bump! lol!) thanks for your love and encouragement. big love, sx
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Big love to you too Sarah. What a massive time you’ve had lately. So much to digest and process but like you say, deeply rich also. I loved this piece. Thank you for sharing.
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Thank you so much for your wonderful ongoing support shannyn. hope all is good in your world! big hug, sx
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Dearest Sarah, an outstanding Aunt to offer the precious commodity of time. I’m sending extra strength from here as you rebuild. Im happy to offer an ear whenever required.
P.S. I have two kids that would love a special Aunt when you need a ‘fix’ (they miss my sister who as the official role of ‘fun’ Aunt – she doesn’t live here).
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aw, that is so sweet!! thank you! sx
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