It's an Art

I often gauge a weekend's success by accomplishments and tiny red check marks. But this weekend, though very productive, can be quite perfectly described with this photo...

Hutch and I are steadily learning the art of relaxation.  "The art?" you might ask.  In which I would promptly respond, "Oh yes, let me tell you all about it."  For me, relaxing is difficult.  I can't sit down and enjoy a movie when I know there's a pile of clean clothes to fold, a wet load in the washer waiting for me to press the dry button, and still another pile of dirties waiting for their turn.  It's almost impossible to sleep in when I know I have to winterize the plants and remove the moldy pumpkin from my porch.  All must be done, and until it's complete, this silly mind and body of mine can't seem to enjoy the relax phase...until now.

The art of relaxation (at least in Heather's world) begins with a simple decision:  It can wait.  I realized that not all loads of laundry have to be cleaned, pressed, and stowed back in their rightful places in one single day.  The plants will be there tomorrow.  The dishes aren't going to blow up if I don't run the dishwasher tonight.  Hutch can play by himself and doesn't need to be entertained (this one is especially hard to learn).

Once I turn my mind away from the checklists, I light some candles, dim the lights, grab a cozy blanket, and nestle into a good book while relaxing on the couch.  The last thing on my mind is a pile of dirty laundry.  Relaxation may not come naturally to some, but with a little effort (ironic, yes), it can be done...