My Reconstruction Era

also, do you actually NEED a Busy Badge?

Hello Loves,

I hope you had a wonderful weekend!

Summer is one week away and I am enjoying sitting outside each morning eating breakfast amongst the sunny treetops and the birdsongs. At dusk, I take a perch on the porch and wait for the fireflies to arrive. They love the scruffy undersides of the bushes, not the manicured landscapes of our complex, as they glow their way through the evening.

It’s a magical time of the year.

The non-Instagram part of all this includes traffic noise from Peachtree Industrial Boulevard mingling with those birdsongs and my constant worry that I’m not doing enough in life.

Shouldn’t I be house hunting (in the city) or chasing another job (in the city) or experiencing more of all Atlanta has to offer (again, in the city)?

Like the fireflies, right now I don’t require the sophistication of being smack in the middle of my beloved Atlanta. I’m quietly ensconced in the scruffy underside bushes of OTP, here in Duluth. Albeit in a roomy 2 bedroom, 2 bath apartment with a pool. You know I love a pool.

Do I have a plan? I’ve ALWAYS had a plan.

Currently, no plan. My non-plan is to exist. Pay down debt. Save money. Enjoy bobbing about in my free pool that I don’t have to clean. Enjoying the insanely delicious pork belly tacos down the street at Armando’s Taqueria.

I consider this my reconstruction era. Rest up, get better and more knowledgeable at my job, and stop looking for the next best thing. Summer is custom made for this type of introspection. Rebuilding my self worth, my bank account, my career experience is what is taking precedence these days.

So many friends I speak to are so busy these days. I used to be like that and thought it was a badge of honor to have so few hours in a week to sit and ponder. Sometimes I miss all those busy times. When I had my blog, I was constantly at the newest restaurant, an incredible party, or - on those really special occasions - checking into and writing about the Ritz-Carlton Hotels here and there. When I was co-founder of Atlanta Movie Tours, we were out networking at all the fabulous parties at least 4 nights out of 7 and it was divine.

Not very long ago, two of my favorite friends and I had dinner together and mused over these very good old days. We were always out and about. We knew everyone.

Should I be concerned that while those times were indeed amazing, I don’t need that bustle in my life anymore? Does this make me less vibrant or less interesting?

Maybe. But does that matter anymore?

I don’t think so. At least in the present moment. Up here in the breezy treetops, with a homemade bolognese simmering on the stove, ready to be served for Sunday supper, I am feeling fairly content.

For now.

Stay tuned. The Universe always sends a curveball and it’s usually filled with excitement and wonder.

I’ll be ready when it comes.

Until then, I’ll light some candles on the porch and have an ice cold lemonade with Eric.

And wait for the fireflies to come out to play.

Remember, you are ENOUGH, and always have been. I love you.

xoxo,
Patti