Passionate Theme of the day: Flexibility

“New ideas stir from every corner. The show up disguised innocently as interruptions, contradictions and embarrassing dilemmas. Beware of total strangers and friends alike who shower you with comfortable sameness, and remain open to those who make you uneasy, for they are the true messengers of the future.” ~Rob Lebow

This weekend found STL covered in crystallized ice for the 2nd time this season. When I headed to the office on Friday morning the temperature was 60 degrees and when I left to head home, it had dropped to 36. Brrrrr!

I was looking forward to being “cooped up” in the condo this weekend, as I had several writing and editing assignments that I needed to complete. Was gonna get all caught up on e-mails and call some of my long-distance friends. It was “get it done” weekend.

But life had another plan for my weekend. My sister sent me a text message Sat. morning around 7a.m. letting me know the power was out at her house and her and her family would need to come stay warm at my place. That would mean my sis, her hubby, my 2 year-old niece Alyssa, and their new puppy. Mind you, I have 2 dogs of my own and I live in a 1000 sq. ft. condo. We all knew we were in for some FUN times ahead.

Did I get anything completed off my checklist on Sat? Heck no. By the time they got settled in, the dogs got acclimated, we adjusted to the limited space in my living room, it was time for a nap.

We ended up renting movies, vegging on the couch and eating drive-thru burgers for dinner. Sunday, I did get out to the grocery store and it was nice to stretch the legs and get some breathing space. But the freezing rain didn’t make for very good traveling weather.

I did return many e-mails and got a bit of writing completed on Sunday. But the bigger gift I got was time to hang with my gorgeous niece and some quality family time. We are usually all so busy with our individual “realities”, that we typically only spend a couple of hours together on Sunday afternoons.

While being cooped up with family wasn’t on my “to-do” list this weekend, it turned out to be an unexpected treat. I’m not sure I’m ready to be a mommy just yet, but after hanging out with Ms. A I’m always more creative, more curious and laughing my butt off! Her energy is infectious and her enthusiasm for everything from Dora books to kisses from the puppy made me smile and filled me up with some much needed wonder.

What other gifts did this “change of plans” bring me? I found myself strengthening my patience (the new puppy pooped on my bed), my calmness (not able to do Yoga Booty Ballet cuz they arrived at 10 a.m.), and my ability to compromise (who wants to eat what?) as well as my overall sense of gratitude. I mean hey, I still had power, heat and water. I had to repeat a BIG “Thank You” for that.

How can you be more flexible to the “interruptions” that life throws your way? Could any of those interruptions be blessings in disguise? Could they be just the break, inspiration, boost you need?

Take a second look at those things that seem like a random distraction, annoyance or interruption. There just might be a gift hidden inside. Yoga isn’t the only way to strengthen your flexibility, try shacking up with your family in close quarters!

Deep soul flexing,
Kam