Daily thrive

At 3:30 today I realized I hadn't eaten lunch. I didn't even realize I was hungry; time was too efficiently pressed minute-by-minute against itself to feel hunger. I was just surprised. I'm not one for skipping meals.

At 4:30 the lovely husband sent a message that he was heading into an unexpected meeting and could we switch pickups? I'd get the girls. He could get G, which sounds silly because if one could draw a line through walls and floors G was probably no more than 200 feet away from me. But that's how it goes. From downtown, the lovely husband can get to daycare, which stays open later than the girls' aftercare, but he can't get to aftercare. So there are days when I leave work to get the girls and he leaves work to get the boy at my work. We had record rain today, and I knew I had to leave.

At 4:50 I left to get the girls, some 14 miles away. I got to them at 6:01. Some days are crazier than others, and I've never seen this kind of rain.

We walked in the door and the sump pump alarm was clanging.

Today was exhausting. Yet it wasn't frustrating.

It was exciting. I never ate lunch because I was busy in a fulfilling way. I don't usually lose myself in my work, but I've found it happening more and more in this new job. And at the end of the day's needs, after the kids are asleep, thinking back on the day's balance brings satisfaction. It usually does these days, even as I face a bunch of real problems at work and the regular family challenge.

Beginnings are exhilarating. I can read prescriptions on how to thrive, but I realize I don't need them. I'm well-suited to this new work opportunity, and the thriving has found me.

But I seriously should go to sleep earlier.


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This post was inspired by Thrive: The Third Metric to Redefining Success and Creating a Life of Well-Being, Wisdom, and Wonder by Arianna Huffington, who encourages everyone to sleep their way to the top. Join From Left to Write on May 1st as we discuss Thrive. As a member, I received a copy of the book for review purposes.