Void Thoughts

The last four weeks have not been easy for me. It all started with my account getting hacked, which caused a lot of stress that week.

Then we got busy with our kids as they returned to school after the summer break. There were “Meet the Teacher” appointments, Curriculum Nights, High School Freshmen Orientation, and other events that added to the busyness.

One morning, I had a severe headache that left me unable even to lift my head. I’ve never experienced such terrible pain in my life. Although I get migraine headaches now and then, and I always thought they were unbearable, this latest one made them seem mild by comparison. It took me two days to recover from the grip of that horrendous pain. I now have a newfound respect for my regular migraine headaches after that episode.

Oh, and I turned 41 shortly after those headache days.

Last week started with congestion from a cold, accompanied by a sore throat, cough, and the usual symptoms. By this morning, I felt better, though the cough still lingers. But at least I can breathe and do pranayama without feeling suffocated, so all is well.

After the hectic four weeks, I decided I’d had enough. I decided to focus on having only nice, calm, healthy, and peaceful days ahead. I made up my mind to keep stress out of my head.

I was in a bad place, but now I am moving to a better one. I believe my decision to feel good will have a positive effect. After all, everything starts with our intentions, doesn’t it?

So, I thought, why not list a few things that made me smile today? That’s a good way to start the week, isn’t it?

1. This morning, when the alarm went off at 5:00, I was in the middle of a nice dream. Although I don’t remember the dream, I do remember waking up feeling lighter and happier.
2. Since school reopened three weeks ago, my husband has started the habit of waking up around 5:15 a.m. to help me prepare the kids’ lunchboxes. This has allowed me to slow down in the morning. It’s wonderful when we can depend on our loved ones for everyday tasks. Sharing responsibility is the ultimate way to show care, isn’t it?
3. Last week, I asked my 14-year-old what he wanted for lunch and gave him two options. He responded, “Whatever is easier for you.” His answer warmed my heart. My kids aren’t just adorable; they’re kind too, most of the time.
4. My 7-year-old and I have been playing a new board game, Risk, where we have troops and attack each other. It’s wonderful to reconnect with my inner child as I spend time with my kids.
5. As a family, we also play Sequence, a board game with cards, that my husband and I love playing. Our kids join us, mostly for our sake. It’s always wonderful when we get to spend time together as a family. In my heart, I know these are moments that my kids will cherish from their childhood.
6. Recently the kids, especially our younger one, wanted to play Trivia. He calls it “Family Trivia Time”. My husband asks each of us questions in different categories, and we answer. These games help to keep the kids away from their screens. Life is about enjoying the moments and creating memories to look back on. At the end of the day, I don’t remember the social media posts I caught up with or the reels and videos I watched during the day. So while I say kids are staying away from their screens, it applies to my husband and me too.
7. The setting sky was so gorgeous yesterday evening.
8. Last night was a bit cooler — it was still in the upper 90s — but the breeze had a cooling effect when we took a stroll in our neighborhood.

Now that I am done with my simple list of things that made me smile I would like to invite you to join me and share a few things that made you smile today.