The First Cool Morning

Dearest Friend,

I woke up this morning to the first cool morning of fall. I know you’ve been wearing those sweaters for a few weeks now, and it’s likely not a big deal to you. But here on the island, fall is just a short moment in time. This morning I walked outside just a little after 6am. The breeze was stirring the trees, and I instantly became aware that I was barefoot. My toes touched the patio pavers and sent an immediate shiver through my body. I stood out there but a moment before I ran back inside for some slippers and a cozy sweater.

I sat in my usual spot, my hands wrapped around my hot mug of coffee, but today, I splurged and put the outdoor fireplace on. As the pale blue sky gave way to sunrise, I sipped slowly and enjoyed the cool breeze that whisked across my face.

I felt, in a word, grateful.

The last few weeks have been full. (I’m trying to break my bad habit of saying “busy.”) And contrary to my very best efforts, I got swept up in the old habits of rushing, racing, and pushing.

More than once, I reminded myself to take a deep breath. I told myself to take a rest. And still, I neglected to take my own advice. My plate was too full, and to be completely honest, I couldn’t see exactly what I could take off. I felt that pressure… You know the one that makes your pulse race and convinces you that if you don’t do it, it won’t get done.

Yeah, that’s where I was for the last few weeks. I guess no matter how far from burnout you get, and no matter how intentional you stay most of the time, sometimes those old habits can still sneak up on us, huh?

But then yesterday I changed my focus. I still worked off my to-do list, but I put my energy into the things that would restore peace to the home. I meal prepped, I ironed, I did laundry, I walked outside and weeded the garden for a few minutes. I made dessert.

And then today, as quietly as a whisper, the first cool morning was ushered in with nothing more than a good night’s sleep and some unexpected bare toes. I mean, sure, I know what time of year it is. I probably should go to sleep each night expecting it to get cool. I had just been on autopilot for the last few weeks and hadn’t given it a second thought.

So this morning it felt unexpected. It was just different enough that it helped me to forget all about the things that have kept me racing these last few weeks, and let me realign with the present moment.

I love when God does that, don’t you? When He shows up and gently nudges us so we can see clearly once more. He has to do that with me a lot. Even here, in this beautiful place, post-burnout and so much more aware than I used to be, I still fall backward.

Today, though, I sit grateful for the cool morning. Thankful for the reminder that I can always realign when I fall out of rhythm. And present enough to allow the moment to hug me close and welcome me back.

Have you fallen out of rhythm lately, friend? I’d love to hear from you.

Until next time,

-A Friend from Magnolia Isle