Good food, good sleep, and good friends

Wow, it's been awhile, hasn't it, since I posted anything. Totally my fault--it seems that I don't stop to breathe most days.

Last Friday evening, when I got home from work and realized that not only did I have nothing cooked for supper but that there really was nothing to cook, it was time to take action and do something about my empty pantry. On Saturday, I spent a few hours buying groceries, house supplies, and birthday cards. Then, after I returned home and re-stocked my pantry, I did laundry and picked up a bit around the house. I know . . . none of these activities seem to be related, but they are.

We all lead very busy lives, and most of us don't stop long enough to eat well, sleep enough, or spend time with those around us that we consider our "community." Maybe that's why on Saturday I didn't rush through shopping for birthday cards, but instead, I enjoyed the process of reading the cards and selecting the ones that would arrive in my friends' mailboxes on their respective birthdays this month and next. At the grocery store, I didn't simply rush through the store, shopping directly from my list. Instead, I meandered through the aisles, probably annoying people who were shopping with a purpose, but I was enjoying the experience. And when I slept on Saturday night, I slept on freshly-laundered sheets. My Saturday was filled with lots of little activities--the very minutiae of daily life--but very important to my overall well-being.

On Sunday, I spent time with people in my "community." They are not my biological family, but they are part of my extended network and are becoming my family away from family. Closer to the fall, I will spend some time with family and friends. Komen's theme this year is so timely--we>me. Every time I reflect on it, I'm struck again by just how true it is. My community makes me more than I am all by myself. And my community is far-flung--across this nation and a country across the Atlantic. If my community takes care of me, then I should take care of myself. I depend on my community, and the people in my community depend upon me. The shape of our lives are spherical; and my sphere enlarges itself almost daily.

Who fills your community? Have you acknowledged them lately? What are you doing to take care of yourself so that you can fill your place in your community well, because you and only you can fill that particular spot in your community. Have you realized just how unique you are and how unique you are to your community?

Don't forget--your last day to register for Team Bookends is Friday, August 27. If you need help registering online, come find one of us. We'll help you! If you want to register by paper, visit Tina!

Crystal and Tina