Happy August, My Friend!
Traditionally, August has not been my favorite month. Not counting the birth of my daughter, which did occur in August. There’s just a lot of angst associated with this month for me.
Not this year, baby!
How do I know that? I don’t, actually. I’ve just decided to approach this month a bit differently this year. And who do I have to thank for this new mindset? Well, Yoda, of course. Yoda plus an obnoxious guy from a late-night flight I just took to get home from my month away in the Midwest. Let me explain.
It was a dark and stormy night. No, really, it was literally a dark and stormy night. Both of my flights to get home to Florida were delayed due to the weather. I was finally on the plane from Atlanta, headed to cute little PBI (Palm Beach International). I was tired and crabby, and in no mood. After we boarded, our flight was delayed again (we had to wait for the paperwork from the gate agent, which was taking forever). While we waited, I was privy to a conversation happening behind me between the aforementioned obnoxious guy and a young, pretty flight attendant.
Now, I don’t make it a habit to eavesdrop on others’ conversations, but this guy was what I’d call a ‘loud-talker.’ You know exactly what I mean. It seems like some people really want the surrounding community to hear every word they say. Not eavesdropping was not an option. And, boy, howdy, was he trying to impress this young lady. She must have been stationed at the spot where she stood as we were waiting for that blasted paperwork. She did leave it once to hand out headphones but returned to her place immediately afterward. Poor thing.
At one point during the convo, I heard her reply to Obnoxious Guy (hereby referred to as “OG” – not to be confused with “Original Gangster”). She said, “She tries.” I’m not entirely sure what she tries to do, but in response to that, OG said this:
“Don’t try. Do.”
Dear God, I thought to myself, He’s quoting Yoda to impress her now. Someone get this plane off the ground before I need to use the emesis bag.
OG continued to explain that it’s incredible how when you have this mindset, how different your perspective can be when facing obstacles. He did reference Yoda and did not claim this practice as his own invention. Shortly after that, I believe God heard my pleas for mercy as I heard OG turn to someone behind him and say, “You want me to sit by you, Bro?” Bro must have been a few rows farther back because OG moved, and I never heard from him again. Thank you, Bro.
So, now fast forward a few days, and here we are on the precipice of August. As I write this to you, it is July 31. And, by gum, wouldn’t you know I’ve been pondering those “I-tried-to-ignore-but-couldn’t-for-the-life-of-me” words from OG . . . ahem . . . Yoda.
“Don’t try. Do!”
And so, I’m determined to march into August and not feel the typical angst of the month. I’ve tried (oops, there’s that word again) to understand why August makes me feel like it does. Maybe it has something to do with all the kids that are getting ready to go away to college. Bringing my three kids off to their respective colleges was particularly gut-wrenching for me, as was my own experience of going away to college for the first time. All those days are long behind me, but that feeling of separation still seems to hang in the air for me around August. And when September shows up, I’m over it! It’s time for football and putting out my scarecrow for the front door. Fun stuff!
So, I thought this year I’d be proactive and face August with a smile plastered on my face. I’m going to exchange my “dread” for “looking forward to.” I’m going to take a minute each evening to find something to look forward to the next day. Even if it’s just very simple stuff. Simple stuff can go a long way in giving hope.
I thought of an old cartoon and phrase I heard as a kid: “Keep on truckin'” Remember that? For those of you springier chickens, it is a cartoon image of a man walking, taking a big step forward. This was a popular saying and image back in the late 60s. The guy in the picture is leaning way back, almost hesitantly stepping forward. That feels like me. Dang it, but I like the past! It’s comfortable and familiar. But time marches on! And so must I. And so must we.
Is there anything you’re facing that has you hesitant to step forward? How about we do so with anticipation and throw trepidation by the wayside?
Want to try?
Let’s do it!
Wishing you a wonderful week and a fabulous August!
Written with love – – – Patti XOXO
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord,
“plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future.” (Even in August)
Jeremiah 29:11
Keep on truckin’, y’all!