An Extra-ordinary Ordinary Day - Lessons Learned

What a day I had yesterday! An amazing day of learning and growing and having absolutely nothing to show you that says I lived it. Nothing productive at all.

It started with watching my last video from The Center of Action and Contemplation’s Introductory Wisdom course. A course that has helped me understand the value of being present, living in the moment and waking up to what is. Truly a transformational four months of learning.

Late morning, Frank and I traveled to Lewisburg to visit the grand opening of the Joy and Whimsy Depot. The Depot has been a dream of a couple who believe we can all find more joy in our lives. In the creators, Jane and Dave Wickham’s words, the Depot is ”A relaxation station allowing guests to escape the worldly pressures by spending a few hours in a stress-free environment with positive, encouraging people, art, and activities.”  I think they have nailed it! Such an eclectic collection for all ages. Joy was abounding. Lesson learned: dreams do come true if you have the courage to pursue them.

Then off to Eaton to the TSC store. Frank was looking for a pair of coveralls to handle poison ivy in the ravine. The drive through the countryside took me back to my childhood days when the family would pile in the car after dinner and ride outside of BG with my Dad, who would be off looking at some crop or herd of cattle which might have been financed through the Bank. I noticed yesterday that the corn looks like it will be knee high by the Fourth of July and I still can’t tell what is hay or winter wheat in the fields. I’m a true city slicker! Lesson learned: We are a diverse people and diversity is good. I need those who choose a different way of being and they need me.

Remembering there was a tasty ice cream stand on Rt.35 we travelled on to the Frostbite Diner in West Alexandria. Sitting and eating our ice cream on the bench in front of the store, we experienced the most amazing dance of a motorcycle ride turning from eastbound Rt 35 on to northbound Rt 504. The first riders appeared, and like you see with a funeral procession, strategically placed themselves in the intersection blocking all traffic. This allowed the following bikes to make the turn without stopping. There had to be 50 to 75 bikes that turned the corner. As the last bike turned, the lead bikes, that had blocked traffic, fell back in line. As we sat there stunned admiring the precision of their turn, Frank exclaimed, “well they’ve done that before!” Lesson learned: Leadership and practice makes perfect.

Traveling into Montgomery County on Rt 35 we learned more. We were reminded that many of those who have helped us through our life are headquartered along that road. Fulmer’s Landscaping built our porch, Korrect Plumbing is our “go to” plumbers and Country Pines Tree Farm still exists! We have fun memories of our family cutting down our Christmas tree at Country Pines and thought it had closed as the owners we knew had sold the farm. Lesson learned: Stay curious and don’t make assumptions. Check your knowledge.

Arriving home, the next hour I sat and played a game on my phone and tried to not feel guilty about it. I’m so programed to be productive; I’ve given myself little permission to just be. Letting go of this program has been hard for me. There is so much around me that says you must achieve. As a culture we value and therefore reward productivity. I think that what yesterday has shown me is that learning happens when you are present to it. Lesson learned: It’s not about what you are doing, it’s about whether you are present in the moment.

Wait, I’m not done yet with yesterday. Last evening, we watched the Disney movie Soul. Wow! I hope at the end of my life my pockets will be full of simple wonders. I don’t know if I’ll make it another 17 years and if I do, maybe I’ll have a cicada shell among the collection. Lesson learned: Find wonder in the present. Don’t miss the extra-ordinary in the ordinary.

Joy is everywhere if you choose to see it.