I’ve been going through a little bit of a mid-life learning curve. I don’t want to call it a mid-life crisis. I would rather look at it as an intense 38 year old period of reflection. I think with all the change in my life this past year, it was inevitable that this time would come.

My story has changed radically over the past year. Some of these changes have happened without my control, like losing our dream home. But others have changed as a result of my intentional actions- starting this blog and marking things off my life list. What I have realized is that even as a lover of learning and change, sometimes it’s good to spend some time in reflection.

If you don’t stop to pause and reflect, you can get tired, overwhelmed, uninspired, and/or apathetic. And I don’t want any of these adjectives to describe me or my life.

One of the best places for me to pause and spend some time reflecting is at the swimming pool. My happy place is the swimming pool – in the water or on the deck. It doesn’t even matter, as long as I’m there.

I love the pool deck, the chlorine, the blue color of the water, the diving blocks, and the sheer excitement of competition. I love the heat sheets (programs), the sound of the starter, and the various colors of the lane lines or the tile on the bottom of the pool. I even keep swimming championships on my DVR and Jeff and I will watch them. We love the swimming life and all that it entails.

I had the tremendous privilege of watching Emily compete in the Arizona 8 and Under State Swimming Championships this weekend. I loved the excitement, squeals, and adorable podium ceremony for the top 3 spots. The talent was insane for such little bodies. And as a proud mom, I will brag. Emily and her adorable teammates won the 100 Free and 100 Medley Relays and she placed as high as 4th in a couple of her individual events. As state champions in the relays, they got to stand on the podium. That’s gold, pure gold, for an 8 year old little girl, named Emily.

I found that even while chasing after a 2 year old, spending time with Jeff’s parents, and getting Emily to her 14 different events on time for 2 days, my mind started to clear. I felt inspired. I thought about creative solutions for parenting concerns, created future blog posts in my mind, and dreamt about starting an art journal.

Even with all the creative inspiration swirling through my head, I also felt calm. I was able to reflect on my magical day from last week. I was able to let some anger go about losing the house (grief and loss have no time table, I’ve learned). And I truly felt happy just walking on the deck. I closed my eyes, and let the first warm sun hit my cheeks. It was awesome.

I also feel greatly inspired by going to the movie theater, watching a play, or attending concerts. And most recently, playing the piano has become a quick creative escape and new happy place for me.

Where is your happy place?

Where do you go when you feel tired or overwhelmed? What place(s) makes you feel excited and/or calm?

If you are feeling uninspired or feeling stuck when writing your life list, try finding that happy place. Perhaps you will find that needed inspiration, clarity, or rejuvenation that you need to get back to living your life to the fullest.

Blessings sweet friends – Jenny

If you are new to my site, welcome! Like what you see? I would love for you follow along on this crazy adventure of mine by subscribing to my blog and joining me on facebook, twitter, and pinterest.