Today is the first day of spring. The Vernal Equinox.
I had this really cool post planned. It was introspective and thought-provoking.
It was full of serious talk and thinking stuff.
Instead, I wound up with this barrel full of monkeys. Because that’s what my brain feels like.
I finally fell asleep around 4 am last night. So, I’m working on about 3+ hours of sleep. I’ll let you in on a little secret: I need eight.
Where was I?
Right. The post mentioned all the wonderful things I was going to do today.
I had plans to pause, enjoy nature, seek balance, embrace something new. Pretty much none of that happened. (Unless you consider exhaustion-induced zone-outs “pausing”.)
I will copy two lines from the post:
It is a time of beginnings.
It is a time of balance.
The Vernal Equinox is, indeed, both of those things. Spring is a time of new beginnings and the Equinox a time of balance. I wanted to embrace these.
I didn’t.
You know those days you walk into a room and forget why you went in there? Or you open the fridge seven times because you forget what you were looking for? Yes. It was one of those days—all day.
No fresh starts or balancing for me today. I ruined it.
Or did I?
Because, I used this opportunity to not do things. Such as beating myself up for not posting this morning, not reading other blogs, and not getting to my own blog comments.
Also, I didn’t get angry at myself for not living that perfect day I planned.
For me, that’s one hell of a fresh start.
As far as balance? I accepted that, along with the light, joyous pieces of me, there are dark, upsetting ones.
I’m human. I’m whole.
There’s nothing wrong with that. I’m going to just put it out there and say if you’re all sunshine and no shadows, you’re probably pretty boring. Or lying. Which might make you slightly more interesting but certainly not any more likable.
So I didn’t have a beautiful first day of spring. But I did have one more day on this earth. And I learned a few things while I was here. (One of them being that I can go a whole day without beating myself up about anything. And I’m counting that as a win.)
My Sunday thoughts in a sleep-deprived ramble of nowhere near 200 words.
What happens when you plan a day and it falls short of your expectations? Do you give up? Beat yourself up? Move on? (Or a combination?)
Happy Spring! (And, to my friends in Australia, Happy Autumn!)
I try to move on. It isn’t always easy, but I’m getting better. I try to sneak in small pleasures to pick me up. Cuddling my daughter. Writing on nice stationery. A really good cup of coffee. Pulling myself back into the moment keeps me from existing in the if-only land in my head where I am failing more often than not.
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Oh, yes. Small pleasures. I always say, “It’s the little things.” And it really is. ❤ (Stay away from "if-only land".)
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Love this: “if you’re all sunshine and no shadows, you’re probably pretty boring..” Oh hurray – that’s not me (hey what if you’re all shadows and no sunshine? Yikes!)
Anyway, I’m with you on the sleep thing specially as the dawn now starts around 5 – me being the Princess and the Pea an’ all. I am fully conversant with the morning song of the lark. Must balance that one by attempting a few early nights, so goodnight from over here. See you Monday 😴💤
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Hmm. All shadows and no sunshine? That’s…kind of interesting. It could be some wicked cool super hero or something. Wait. Been done. Damn. (But, hey, you’ve just discovered what my MC in pulp fiction is going to be like.) 🙂
Love the thought of Lisa: Princess and the Pea. Maybe that’s my problem. It’s another late night here. *sigh* Perhaps I should check the mattress for frozen peas?
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Agh! I had all the planets aligned last night (mattress checked for peas) except damn the dawn. Woken at 6am by hungry hens doing fake crows to get my attention. Forgot to lock them in and away from me!
Looking forward to the pulp! Xx
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This:
“I’m going to just put it out there and say if you’re all sunshine and no shadows, you’re probably pretty boring. Or lying. Which might make you slightly more interesting but certainly not any more likeable.”
Made me lol HARD!! You’re so funny Mrs Brenytn, and I am super proud of u for not beating yourself up. Hope tomorrow gets better ❤
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😀 Thanks. (It’s kinda true, isn’t it? I mean, a bit rude but true.) Yeah, I’m going to try to stay away from the beating-myself-up thing. I’ll let you know how it goes. ❤
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Sounds like a pretty good day after all, Sarah, though I hope you get some sleep tonight. And I agree, we are all light and shadow, and we need to accept both parts of who we are (without beating ourselves up about it all the time!)
Happy Equinox to you 🙂
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We do need to practice being nice to ourselves. And one of the ways I can do that is to start getting some sleep.
Light and shadow, indeed. Happy Equinox! 🙂
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And the very same to you 🙂
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Happy Spring! I’m glad to know that you have discovered something so vital about yourself! I hope it is a common occurance in the near future because I am your friend and I am happy to know you are happy. All my best, Sarah. #mast ❤
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Well, yeah, I guess I can be nice to myself when I’m wicked tired. 😉 I’ll try it all the time. Kind of pathetic I have to try but whatever. Happy Spring to you, my friend. ❤ And thank you.
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💛
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I love that our posts can reach out to people round the world. Northern/Southern hemisphere. Keeps us thinking globally.
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I love that, too. It really is cool. And I’ve met some awesome people from all over the world. ❤
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I was able to successfully achieve a solid 5 hours of sleep so combined you and I might just be capable of operating heavy machinery. You steer. I’ll work the pedals.
What do I do when a day falls short? Hmmmm…I guess it varies, but usually there is an ice cream, wine, and/or book/movie/would-you-please-stay-the-heck-away-from-me-for fifteen-that’s-all-I-ask-fifteen-minutes component.
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Nice! 5 hours.
Sure. We can totally operate heavy machinery. I’ve got the steering down. No problem.
It varies for me, too, honestly. But when I put pressure on myself for a special occasion, it’s bad. Also, my days often involve wine, ice cream, and books. Good and bad days both. Don’t judge. And no one can EVER underestimate the power of the “stay-the-heck-away-from-me-for fifteen-that’s-all-I-ask-fifteen-minutes” component.
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I’m the same way for special occasions. Not pretty at all.
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Sounds like you’re getting there, Sarah. (Not like I’m your coach, or anything…)
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Oh. You’re a coach? Feel free to coach away. Unless it involves running. I only run if there’s a bear. Except I think you’re supposed to stand still if there’s a bear so… Right. Back to not running.
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The only resemblance I have to a coach is that I look like the back end of a bus…
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I’m not sure if I should ‘like’ that or if it would be insulting. Thoughts?
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Ah the beauty of plans and how often things do NOT go as planned. In the last month and three weeks, I’ve adjusted my daily plans quite often. I’ve taken it all in stride as best as I can. Some days it flows, other days I’d be pretty awesome in an octagon. A lot of times, I’m pretty much doing great in everything I have control of… then the other 99% of reality comes a knocking. Here’s the thing, although we can’t control all of reality we can control how we respond to it and more often than not, it is better to take it in stride than to get all worked up because of it. I don’t say this because I’m able to do it every time out, but when I do, it’s often a MUCH better option. Cheers and congrats.
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“Some days it flows, other days I’d be pretty awesome in an octagon.” That’s spectacular. And, yes, the other 99%. I know. It’s a much better option but…but… 😝 I’m working on it. Wish we could hang out on the beach with a cold beer. And you could tell me where to get a pair of cool socks so I can finally post a sock pic. Cheers! 🍺
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Keep working on it and being all sorts of kickass 😉 Would also enjoy sharing a beer and rambles. As for the socks, http://www.sockittome.com/ 😀 Good place to start 😉 Cheers luv
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Watch for a sock pic, my friend. (They won’t be as cool as yours, but my feet will be socked!)
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Happy Spring Sarah! The introspective, thoughtful posts can wait for another day. This was full of “monkeys” as you called them, but they were all good ones. I always felt winter was the time for reflection, spring gets us back into action. Time to get out and play with the monkeys. 🙂
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Haha! Yes. During winter we hibernate. Retreat indoors and within ourselves to reflect. Introspection. Now, we’re beginning to see the seeds of those thoughts and dreams sprout so we can nurture them and help them grow. 💕🌿🌸
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We were all sick on the first day of spring. My poor daughter kept wanting to go out and I was all, “Nope, I’m just sitting here and watching TV.” We ended up going out to dinner with my mother-in-law and my little girl got chills while at the restaurant and desperately wanted to go home. At least she’s back to feeling mostly better.
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Aw, sorry. Nice first day of spring. We were okay but it snowed. 😜 Glad you’re all feeling better.
🌿🌸☃❄️
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Sunshine and shadows! I love that. I’ve been so busy I overlooked that we passed the equinox. But then again I don’t have the best sense of time. Have a dandelion kind of day–in order for the flower to bloom like a mini-sun it has to put down a taproot in the darkness.
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You did?! I thought for sure you’d be celebrating. But you do love the solstice with its promise of light.
I love this line so, so much: “for the flower to bloom…it has to put down a taproot in the darkness.” Yes.
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I begin to notice the return of light before the equinox! 🙂
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Spring is filled with ambivalence for me I’ve learned to embrace the feelings that come to the surface. It is liberating. Glad to hear you are doing the same. xo
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It is liberating, isn’t it? I do like to start fresh, begin something new but, alas, life is what it is. Hope you are well.
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This made my day: “… you’re probably pretty boring. Or lying. Which might make you slightly more interesting…” So true!
I can’t believe I’m the age I am and have never thought about Spring as a time for new beginnings – which is ridiculous because it’s so obvious! Anyway, in our part of the world Spring has been chilly but very sunny and beautiful.
Thanks for giving me a new perspective on this glorious time of year. 🙂
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Right? I mean, honestly… 😉 Glad to hear it made your day. Hey, it’s never too late to start. Though I am a bit surprised. Spring has always been “new beginnings”. None of your movies referred to that? You should look. I bet they do… *challenge* (Our spring has been chilly, too.) Cheers! And here’s to new beginnings. And me signing up for your awesome villains blogathon.
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Hi Sarah, I’ve just been reading through some of your posts which, just like this one, really resonate with me. I have loads of days like this one, where things don’t go as planned, posts don’t get written and life gets in the way. It used to stress me out but now I just remind myself that it’s me, only me that’s putting this pressure on myself. We get so caught up with the whole blogging thing that we can lose sight of this. Great post.
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Interesting. I know it’s the entire blogosphere (posts, articles, etc.) that puts this pressure on us. That said, when it comes down to it, I agree 100% with you. We allow this in and become our own worst enemy. It is us. We are stressing ourselves out. Good reminder. Thank you. ❤️
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At the same time though Sarah, it’s so addictive and enjoyable. So I guess it’s about keeping the balance. Of enjoyment and pleasure and writing and interacting. So nice meeting you.
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Ooh. There’s that word again: balance. That’s a tough one. I find that if I give myself a break (when I do something terrible like miss a comment and don’t reply – eek!) than I can enjoy this blogging bit so much more. Lovely to meet you! 💖 (Like that.)
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Thank you for your autumn wishes. I wish it would come soon! Our calendar says it started on March 1, but the thermometer says “No” and is giving us days over 30 again all this week.
Sounds like your spring has some new beginnings for you. It is a wonderful season. Enjoy!
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