Murky Waters…

I didn't see this movie until years after it was released because it only took that one preview to scare the pants off me. You remember the one when the girl starts breathing faster, and faster as she's repeatedly pulled underwater?! That was all I needed, and I was out! However, the damage was done and because of that single preview my imagination went into hyper, over-drive when I was in any murky water, as I was sure a shark was lurking below. Okay, let me correct that... it wasn't just murky water it was any body of water, period. This included, the chlorine-filled community pool where we'd swim at night. I didn't dare share my reality with anyone, especially my brother who would have loved to act like a shark and grab my toes as he quietly swam underwater. So, no way!! Instead, I kept my concerns to myself and came up with the idea that I could stay ahead of any shark-like predator by treading water at an incredibly high speed while, at the same time humming, "Row, Row, Row, Your Boat". That summer, I had the strongest legs of my life...

Southern California's gradual re-opening makes me feel like I'm wading back into the proverbial pool. The "water" is a little cold and I have no idea what's swimming around me. I'm slow to get in, quick to get out, and happy to head back home. It's different and not "back to normal". And the reality is that I don't want it to be because although 2020 was really challenging, (for some more than others) there were good aspects of it too. The slower pace, the time to gain perspective and awareness and (during its most challenging times) the realization of what's most important. I want to continue to be mindful of all of this and instead of treading water at record speed and being on the look-out for sharks I'd like to do a slow back stroke so I can look up at the sky and enjoy what's going on. And instead of a frantic tune, the one I'll hum will be sweet, soothing and grounding.

Love you guys,
xo Kathryn
A Happy Balance