It seems as though, since January, that change is in the air.
I have been teaching, lecturing, training, writing, and working in my office, more than what I had planned. I am grateful, don’t get me wrong, but I have a tendency to work way too much. I am the person who needs to be forcibly pulled away from my work. So it is good and bad. I like what I do so I don’t mind doing a lot of it. But over time, it takes it’s toll on me for sure. And a toll on my family, my garden, my dogs, and really everything around me.
This January, after I reviewed the past year, and my 65 hour work weeks, I made a promise to myself. A promise to spend more time doing things I love to do, but not work related. IT IS SO HARD.
I started my business based on one of my passions. That initial naive moment, when my business became a reality, and I felt inspired in every ounce of my being, has never left me. Each day I feel that, and I love it! But like many passions, too much of a great thing, can actually be a bad thing.
My promise to myself didn’t last long. I blasted into the new year, and I have allowed it to get busier and busier, and have looked for even more work to do with in these walls. Until last week. Last week I stopped myself, I saw the familiar trend, and I stopped. Stopped and looked around me, with eyes wide open. And I realized, in a very real way, WHY I need to get back to my promise.
So I have spent the better part of nine days, in the early mornings, in the mountains. Rain, mud, sun, snow, and wind. No phone. Hiking, thinking, photographing, and breathing. Sharing time with my children, and my dogs.
I am not sure if I have come to any great conclusions, or even a simple beginner type decision on anything. But something inside of me, not sure if it is my body or mind, is craving this. Fresh air, quiet, and feet on the earth.
I am going to take a wild guess that change is coming. I tend to not do well with change that I did not create myself. But if I do choose change, for me, just like my work, it comes from a place of passion and inspiration. So, I guess, bring it!
Montana never ceases to amaze me. It is so incredibly beautiful, and I never get tired of the view. Every time I turn the corner on a trail, or look out over a ridge, it takes my breath away. Every. Single. Time.
So here is to possible change, here is to loving what you do, and here is to Mother Nature. Enjoy, Nancy
Nancy Tanner 
i love this post nancy! i too have a tendency to work too much and have to make a conscious decision to slow down, not over book myself and enjoy my home and my family. and it always feels so good when i do!
You my dear, need to spend MORE time in the kitchen making delicious whatevers, and less time with everything else. Just sayin! Actually with you, I can see with all of your interests, passions, and work how easy it would be to become over booked… Thank goodness for ALice, she is a nice barometer for taking a good long walk!
I’ve been feeling a change coming for me also. And I’m not sure what it is …in my case I feeling of dread and today I’m terribly sad. (Although, I just lost my one and only hen of 6 years so the sad might just be that). If change is coming then I need to do like you and welcome it.
Thankyou…I needed this post.
✿♥ღ Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
http://handcraftedbyus.wordpress.com
Linda, I am so sorry about your hen. It is interesting that so many of my friends are in the process of looking for change, or changing something. I kind of wonder what it is, what is driving it all. In any case, good energy, good thoughts, and love coming your way, Nancy
Thank you so much! Today is better. She isn’t in pain anymore.
Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
B e a u tiful Nancy! Thank you, we all need to stop and feel the wind and sand with our dogs, or I ask myself why am I doing any of this. Again thank you, change is good.
Lisa, some nice hot sand in these winter toes would not be a bad change right now 😉 Yes I agree, change is good!
My dear you have ALREADY started the change, spending the time in the mountains you love and following your heart. We are ALL in for a buttload of change this year – I don’t have one friend that isn’t feeling that energy and until we find that change and do it, the universe will continue to kick our butts! From one “in change” to another….shhhhhh be quiet and listen…..
Sherry it will be cool to see where everyone ends up a year from now. You are right, so many of us are in the process of changing something in our lives.
Sometimes you just have to sit back and take stock of what’s REALLY important in your life.
Yes, I think you are right. I feel I am in the taking stock mode right now. Thank You
I can only say one thing I’m positive of, ” you have been a blessing to me “. It’s a silent wonderful thought that comes into my heart. What you have showed me with Sophie is that I can make others smile and make a difference in their day and it comes right back to me and makes me smile also. You have two wonderful children who have an amazing Mom that they are very proud of. See you soon.
Sandy you are so awesome. I love you and IO love Sophie, Miss Sassy Pants…
I am grateful for all the ME time go out and get you some 🙂 Always makes for a nice post when you and I do others get to see the joy that they need to go after. JT and I walked for the first time yesterday in a month we slept good last night 🙂 Thanks for info on the diet.
Thank you. I too have recently realized I am working too hard and I too crave the mountains. I only get it once a week but it is holy to me and agree that it grounds us and makes working worth it again.