It’s Saturday evening and the rain is gently falling off and on, the muffled sound of fireworks coming from somewhere in the distance. What an ideal time to nestle into my favorite chair with a book – one that I hold in my hands, turning actual pages – and simply unwind, making time for a simple act that seems like quite the luxury.
It’s habit for me to have the television on, yet never watch it. I’ll listen, tune into something that captures my attention from time to time, yet I find myself to be a woman of words – those I read, and those I write.
As I started to read, what was on the television became noise – a subtle distraction that wasn’t appealing to my senses. Thus I opted for a switch in channel, selecting an app with just the right sounds to complement my relaxation. Then I shook my head and quietly laughed – who have I become?!
I was the girl who danced in front of the speakers at clubs and turned the volume as high as it would go in my car, singing along at the top of my lungs. Now, I turn down the radio to see – if I have it on at all.
Music was a metaphor for life and still is in countless ways, don’t get me wrong, yet as of late I often opt for the sound of silence. I choose to listen to the crickets or tree frogs, white noise from the night air when the windows are cracked just enough to let the outside world in.
Trust me. I can still pull all nighters and dance until dawn when given the chance, or party with the best of them, whoever they may be. But the desire is very low and the occasion would have to be quite unique or special.
I once went out at 9 pm. Now I look at the clock to see how if it’s too early for bed. I once craved excitement and company. Now, the definition of both has changed. Excitement is most often the type of evening I described above – home, with a book, and a very darling dog by my side.
Like the seasons, we change and we should embrace that. Sometimes we’re stormy and wild, other times tranquil and serene. When we live fully and authentically, we grow and transform. And if we are fortunate enough to allow that to happen, we will live our best lives every day.
