This weekend, I was lucky enough to be invited up to a friend’s family cottage with two other good friends of mine. We didn’t much know what to expect, but it turned out to be right on a quiet lake, surrounded by trees, with a big dock for sunning and reading. We took turns cooking the meals and washing the dishes, we spent long hours alternating between swimming and tanning, and we had some great heart-to-hearts. Basically, it was perfect.
Last week was busy, especially leading up to leaving for the weekend on Friday afternoon. I’d had a corporate workshop, lots of client calls, and was running around like a headless chicken trying to do laundry and pack and tie up loose ends at work. I was tired, and I’d gotten a terrible head cold (which I still have, by the way), and was thisclose to bowing out of the weekend in order to stay put and watch the rest of Stranger Things.
I’m so happy that I didn’t, head cold be damned. There’s nowhere I’d rather have been than right on the water surrounded by my friends, soaking up the sun and good vibes. But it reminds me that my tendency may always be to skip it, or opt out, or say “maybe next time”, or rain check. I may always struggle with getting overwhelmed and thinking that what I need is to be alone in my apartment for days. Sometimes that’s exactly what I need, but not always and not often.
Usually, what I need is to connect with people who care about me, to spend time outside, to read quietly, and to try new things. These are what energize me, make me feel alive, give me the most joy. This weekend proved that it’s worth it to override my tendency to stay in my comfort zone. It’s worth it to make the effort. I’m so glad I did.
