Stress and Amusement

This time of year is generally known as one of higher levels of stress. Personally, I think it’s ironic because our social media is filled with gift-wrapped gratitude and snow-covered family portraits. Yet we all know that these cold, dark, and rainy days are filled with traffic jams, a never-ending need to empty and re-emptying the rain gutters (if we are lucky – I suppose), and some creative financing in order to fill the hearts of our loved ones with gifts under the tree. Furthermore, being the recipient of über generous tokens of appreciation only serve to further the stress-load when they cannot be reciprocated with equally bighearted gifts. It shouldn’t be this way, but it is.

I find that I am better off if I can find some moments of amusement and playfulness. Take this morning for example…

It’s another Wake-Up-Way-Too-Early-Wednesday. But no worries; I have prepared ahead by pre-loading the espresso machine with caffeine dose #1, laid out my yoga attire, and packed my work clothes before going to bed. However, after only two sips of my coffee, my body opted to reject my morning offering (I threw it up into the kitchen sink). After driving my son to work, I returned to bed in an attempt to make my body happy. Miraculously, I was able to provide it short segments of deep and REM sleep amid the sounds of the early risers in the neighborhood. A few hours later, and after a sweet yoga practice, I went to dress only to find a key undergarment was missing. I pondered my options for a few minutes, then choose one of them.

And while walking to my car, I contemplated sending out a tweet asking the following question:

When you discover you have forgotten your underwear, do you go commando OR put your sweaty panties back on and head to work?”

A few minutes later, I went back inside the yoga studio to retrieve my forgotten mat.