POST 9 (DAY 15, 2020.08.25)
[EVENING ENTRY]
Today was a bit rough for me.. Physically, my entire body has been sore for a few days.. Emotionally/Spiritually, perhaps I have been neglecting my rejuvenating rituals, such as singing or taking photos (which is why I've been posting more photos, in an effort to kind of force me into the ritual via sheer structure of my day).. After waking up, I knew I had to let someone know that I may be needing some time for myself to recuperate.. Early on (first or second day at WL), Jennifer and
Josiah let me know that this kind of "mini vacay" time or "rejuvenation" time is totally okay.. And just knowing that makes me feel valued as a person.. I'm here to add value at my capacity, for the long haul.. Not everyone has muscles like Ahh-nold, or speed like Keanu.. Whenever I feel pressured to perform outside of my natural capacity, I've learned that its best to announce that I'm actually an 82 year-old grandma in a younger looking male's body.. and usually that does the trick in help others understand my capacity.. It wasn't always this way..
There was a time when I had more physical energy--in my teens and 20's!.. and i may once more have it again.. its just not today..
Today, I made it my mission to take heed to Paul's advice of knowing when to stop myself.. He told me a story of an amazing, capable gentleman who essentially burned-out after finishing a major project, because work-time and rest-time were not quite balanced.. Paul expressed to me how that kind of thing is okay for the short run, but ultimately would like to see people finish the marathon at WL (paraphrasing).. Knowing this made me feel safe, because I plan to grow old(er) at WL.. besides, these knock-kneed legs of mine were never much for sprinting anyway..
Even though today was a bit rough, on a personal level, I can honestly say that the company I'm with, and the values we share makes every minute of work worthwhile.. I'm grateful for this place from the bottom of my heart.. its hard to genuinely imagine being back in
City Life.. Don't get me wrong--this isn't for everyone.. but if you're into this sort of thing, I encourage you to come on out and visit us at WL.. I'd be delighted to meet you and hear about your experiences that
led you on your path, and how permies has interested a small part of your journey..
This morning, I peeled a log in a forest.. then helped load 16 peeled logs onto a
tractor trailer, then helped unload those logs.. at lunch sitting down and staring off pondering why I felt stressed/overwhelmed..
This afternoon, I helped build a "bun warmer" in the
berm shed with Uncle Mud and team-members (other boots/volunteers).. I would like to mention that Team-Mud was kicking butt working together and getting things done.. We started off by placing/setting the barrel-sized U-shaped tubing in a pre-dug U-shaped trench to level, moving dirt back into the surrounds, and building the ceramic-brick J-tube, in time to test the beautiful monster "bun warmer" in less than 4 hours.. sure the final touches are still needed, but it works! The team made major progress today with this project and I'm so proud to be a part of a
community that steps in and steps it up.. I'm just trying to keep up with my company.. and that's an encouraging thought in and of itself..
I'm tired and ready for bed.. Goodnight!