rechelle's lifelyrics

Even the word itself is soothing. “Tranquility” is something I’ve been able to experience a lot more these days, and right now I’m feeling grateful for it. A few months ago, I changed my Dream-Job-in-Retirement assignment from “Tertiary Tuesdays” to “Tranquil Tuesdays.”  I used to dedicate Tuesdays to my volunteer (tertiary) efforts, but I wound up working for the Junction City Grange way more than only one day a week. Once I finally walked away from that work, I decided I needed to focus on learning how to relax. Even though I still work on the song book for my Church or other projects on Tuesdays, I have been making more of an effort to set aside time for putting my feet up and reading, listening to music, or just being still. This morning, as I was watering my little garden, I realized I could take my laptop out to the veranda on this beautiful “Fruitful Friday,” and write while I listen to the birds sing.

I had a conversation with my husband last night in which I found myself getting too worked up. We had watched a podcast that brought up a topic about one of our kids that I felt very impassioned about. I wish I would have taken a deep breath and realized that it doesn’t add to good conversation when I allow my emotions to start doing the talking. My adult kids have been helpful in speaking up about how it makes them feel when I start getting too emotional or excited about a topic we are discussing. My youngest son, Levi, came up with the exceptionally helpful phrase, “Mom, the way you are talking to me right now makes me feel like you’re upset with me,” to which I always back up because I don’t want to make anyone feel that way! It gives me an opportunity to reset my tone, and reframe my conversation to ensure I’m building up instead of accidentally tearing down. Sometimes I feel bad that it has taken me so long to learn this lesson, and to get better at being more peaceful in my conversation. However, I’m thankful that I’m still willing and able to modify things in my nature to become a better person. Just like I had to make a concerted effort to add tranquility to my everyday life, I am striving to replace emotional conversation with calm, constructive words.

After all the activities and company last week, I was feeling a desperate need for quiet. I told my family I didn’t want a party or anything for my birthday this weekend, because I really just needed some time to reset. I envisioned sitting on a balcony at the coast, listening to the ocean, and taking walks along the shore. I’m very thankful that my husband is giving me an overnight stay at the coast for my birthday, but I’m even more comforted to realize I don’t have to go anywhere to find tranquility in my surroundings and within my own heart.