Image credit: Guardian In Pictures, Sculpture from Chelsea Flower Show.
The very wise and beautiful DoorwaysTraveler has started a series called Monday Me. She writes and video posts (oooh fancy!) and checks in with herself each week. And in the process she allows her readers to do the same. It’s quietly powerful. And more than a little brave. I am so inspired by Lisa’s honesty, her putting-it-out-there-ness I am going to join her. And so here is my first edition of Monday Me, committing to you to show up and tell the truth. I am starting with an easy post and will see where this journey goes (my belly is a little knotty at the thought of the not so good days).
So. My Monday: it was a day of kindness to myself. I took a train from London to the North East where I am working for the week. And it was a glorious morning, the sun shining, everywhere green and blooming. Lovely. Instead of struggling with my suitcase in peak hour tube, I got a cab. And as the train is so much cheaper than flying, a first class seat. I was able to work in uninterrupted peace interspersed with moments of watching the countryside fly past.
Arriving at the factory, my afternoon was packed with meetings and problem solving. I was able to get decisions made and agreements reached. In a room of grey suits I sat in my dress linen shorts and my summer top, with jewells hanging from my neck. And I could sense the energy of the room and work it. This is my bliss, this interactive work – when the manure hits the fan. And I am aware that these days this is an ‘unconscious competence’. It is innate. I just do it.
Back at the hotel later, I debated having a sandwich sent to my room. This has become a habit when I am travelling alone. I eat in my room in front of the tele or the laptop. And I treat myself to whatever comfort food is around, because it can be lonely and I am usually knackered: when I need to take care of myself the most, I am the least likely to do this. But last night I freshened up and sat at in the restuarant alone. I ordered chicken and salad and a glass of champagne. And I let the day just wash over me.
I slept well.
Comments
Wonderful, just wonderful. What a charming insight into your day-to-day working life. I look forward to reading these snippets every Monday. But you do know today is Tues, right? ;) Xx
sas Replied:
Well spotted!
Hmmm… i might have to start doing these too. you are awesomeness personified x
Never have I wanted to be in England with you more than in this moment. Utterly beautiful. I love you.
Some ladies seem to become kind of co-dependent when married, which is sad to me. It’s good to see your independent streak will never let that happen!
sas Replied:
There is very little danger of that Eric ;)
These are incredibly powerful tools (these Monday Me posts) for getting to know you better. You are a very strong person, confirmed herein.
HiSas, I always enjoy reading your posts. But I found this one particularly enjoyable. I think this ‘Monday idea’ is excellent and must be quite challenging. I really hope you continue and will look forward (as always) to reading more from you. Big hugs from Oz.
sas Replied:
Hello lovely! I completely agree it will be challenging. And a bit scary. But I have found that when my reaction is fear, I should keep going :)
i love your unconscious competence. and your honesty in the face of fear. thank you for doing this. so simple the best things are.
Oh, I love this. As someone who has shared more than a few of her bad days in recent times, I understand that fear.
There were days when I’d posted something, and it took actually getting up and walking away from the computer to stop myself taking it down.
You’re awesome.
Oh how I miss the travelling for work. I used to really enjoy going to a restaurant on my own with a good book (no work thank you!) and just enjoying the peace of my own company, people watching and, of course, making up stories for all the people around me. When things were particularly stressful I found it sooo theraputic. The small talk and alcohol, when in the company of other workmates, was nowhere as effective.
Why yes, I am an introvert. What gave it away :o)
Great stuff. Excited about the Monday Me from you. And yes for taking yourself to the restaurant and having champagne. I think we all should drink a glass champagne by ourselves now and then.
Monday Me may get me back to blogging. I often did business trips alone across Europe some years ago and after a while refused to coop myself up in my room in favour of a good meal and a glass of red. Good for the soul I think.
sas Replied:
I do hope it does. I have to say the process is cathartic.
ahh the bliss of unconscious competence and a back pocket full of dynamic “whatever it takes” ! Glass of bubbles to you honey for “feeling the room”, listening to what you needed to do as well as transforming those fear butterflies. Facilitating manure is quite a gig some days!
sas Replied:
Dude we totally need a date for champagne and chat with Ms Wise :)