An Extraordinary Life

Summer is drawing to a close, the leaves are doing that thing I dread every September, and the temperature, while still mild, is gradually creeping it's way lower and lower. My favourite season is officially on it's way out. That sadness voiced, it was a great summer full of lots of fun and more trips than were perhaps strictly necessary. Hawaii, Muskoka, Washington, Vancouver and Victoria all made the roster. Adam and I ventured solo on a 13 hr road trip home so that I could successfully complete my second half marathon. The little man proved an excellent travelling companion. We spent lots of time with wonderful family near and far and I am grateful to be able to afford such luxuries. There can be no doubt, it has been a good summer.

And yet despite the fact that I knowingly, freely, and gratefully acknowledge the wonderful life I live and the blessings availed to me it has been a difficult year. Redefining myself outside of motherhood without the title of athlete, or student, or employee is a challenge I still haven't put to bed. Things I expected to take place have not. And, while we have been fortunate to enjoy a number of trips both home to the coast and away, I have noticed that readjusting to life at home is an uncomfortable process each time.

I think sometimes, likely somewhere in the early teens as young girls we map out our lives. These plans often include post secondary education, travel, marriage, and children (who will arrive exactly  when and how we like them, thank you very much). My generation is a marvellous one. We were raised to believe ourselves capable of whatever we chose. Life was to be our own choose-your-own-adventure book. And what a gift that upbringing has been! But by the same token, it is so easy to choose...what's easy. To sink to the lowest common-denominator. To be less than extraordinary.

This past year I think I've been walking the latter path. Life far from family and in a place where I don't always fit the mould has meant more time on the computer doing nothing of particular value than I care to openly admit. But here's the thing: I don't want to be less than extraordinary. I don't want to accept anything less than the very best from myself. And so, I guess this entry is a kind of public commitment: I choose to be better. I choose to actively find ways to engage myself and my family in my community. I choose to listen, watch, and read (mostly) uplifting and edifying things that will make me smarter, better, and more useful to the world around me. I choose to find ways to serve wherever possible. I choose to structure my days in ways that minimize screen time and maximize learning and play. I choose to by small and manageable means to further my education. I choose to continue to hope for the things beyond my control that I  cannot yet fix. I choose to live my fairy tale. I choose to live my best life.

I choose my best self. The one God designed me to be.