Highlights: I started the day, and the year, with "the Daily Stoic" while adding a new find, "The Daily Buddhist". A new addition to an existing routine to begin each day with intention and reflection. Tommy and Shelby went to LGCafe for breakfast. As they left, I overheard her say, "You put your dirty clothes in the sink? That's not where they go!" and I suddenly felt hope. Perhaps an outside influence will make a difference. He offered to bring me something back, which I declined at first, but then accepted. I suspect he wanted to make a good impression, but it's also not out of character. A few moments after the door closed, he reopened it, stuck his head in, and asked if I'd like to join them. I assumed that was her suggestion, which was sweet, but I told him I was in the middle of something. I don't want to intrude on their time and space. He later asked that, if he bought the Jafari's non-working go-kart to work on as a fix-up project, could store it in the side alley. I grudgingly agreed, provided he helped me move some things so it wouldn't be in my way. I suspect it won't happen at all, or it'll be stored there and sold "as -is" in the spring. I spent some time this evening helping my mom manage her email, which she said was disappearing again. It's a filter she's somehow routinely clicking on. There's little I can do to simplify this without making it more complicated. It is what it is, and I am focusing on showing her complete compassion. I weighed in at 4.8 lbs shy of my end-of-year goal. I'm pleased to be so close, especially considering that the past month has been challenging. I'll hit that goal soon enough. Following a solo dog walk with Lucky (who is coming along nicely with training in his later years) I finished watching "Train Dreams". It was an incredible, genuine, authentic character study through the span of one man's life. Although set at the turn of the century, it's a timeless story and experience. Subtle, poignant, and thoughtfully paced. This homage to human frailty is an exemplary instance of cinematography, production, direction, script, all of it. It's beautiful. Every bit of it.
Insight: I spent some time considering my priorities for the year ahead. I intend to reach beyond my comfort zone, as there's no growth in staying in it. I'm going to continue the focus on my physical well-being and mobility. I am exchanging a legacy need for control for a shiny new baseline of calm, frustration for compassion, and avoiding distractions that let me procrastinate getting outside my comfort zone. It's all connected. My writing, my mom, and the volunteer work with Jikoji will be my dominant focus for the foreseeable future, which, as experience has taught me, can be a warped mirage.
(🧘♂️ 🏃♂️)
