© IBKimage 2010

Later today I hope be sitting by this tidal pool in Washington, D.C. surrounded by the Cherry Blossoms and “hanging out” with my youngest son.  As I was reviewing my pre-trip list I suddenly remembered that it was “blog night ” so I thought through how I would do that remotely and so on, until I realized that I could do a “blog morning.”  This was a reminder of a theme I have been noticing in my life during the last two weeks … I’m slowly experiencing some progress with “both-and” vs. “either or”.

As long as I can remember, I have had pre-trip reluctance; I’m excited about going and 24 hours or more before I start to enter the “I’ve got everything done, and I could now stay home mode.” The way I usually deal with that is to over-function by over packing, over-cleaning; over organizing  and so on (just in case I don’t make it home, other people would have to pay my bills, find my … and so on) … except today.

Full disclosure:  I haven’t vacuumed for 4 weeks; dusted for 3; but it’s ok to use the bathroom or eat in my kitchen “cause” those are spotless.  So you see, perhaps there are things in our lives we could approach from a both-and perspective that allows us to be a bit kinder with ourselves and subsequently others.  I’m going to keep noticing when both-and opportunities present themselves.  You?

IBK